Government Blocks WAEC's Attempts in Late-Night Exam Controversy

On Friday, a group from the West African Examinations Council was turned down by the House of Representatives' Committee on Basic Education and Examination Bodies.

According to the parliamentarians, inquiries concerning issues with the current tests can only be addressed by the Head of WAEC's National Office.

WAEC was given 24 hours by the committee to follow their directive and come before them.

According to the WAEC team, which was headed by Senior Assistant Registrar Ambrose Okelezo, the Head of National Office could only visit on Monday because he was too busy overseeing test printing.

Oforji Oboku, the chairman of the committee, expressed regret to parents for the "unpalatable and embarrassing incidents" that occurred during the tests.

"The exam in Jalingo began at midnight," he claimed.

It's difficult to comprehend the suffering these kids endured. We need to determine the cause of this and ensure that it doesn't occur again.

Oforji Oboku, the chairman of the committee, expressed regret to parents for the "unpalatable and embarrassing incidents" that occurred during the tests.

"The exam in Jalingo began at midnight," he claimed.

It's difficult to comprehend the suffering these kids endured. We need to determine the cause of this and ensure that it doesn't occur again.

"WAEC must properly organize exams since the government funds them," he continued. Instead of excuses, we demand answers.

According to Okelezo, other officials attended a meeting with the Head of National Office to discuss ways to address the issues.

He requested to come on Monday to give a thorough explanation.

He admitted that there were delays and other difficulties with the tests.

Committee members weren't happy, though.

"He just told us he is not the right person to speak," stated Hon. Awaji Abiante angrily. So why has he come here? People in my village wrote tests at 12 a.m. or 1 a.m. Even commercial truckers were left with their examination papers! This is incapacity.

Additionally, he questioned the strategy for computer-based assessments, pointing out that many schools lack computers and the necessary skills.

"We want to deal with this seriously but not emotionally," stated the chairman of the committee, urging composure. As promised, the Head of WAEC will arrive on Monday.

Other participants concurred that the Head of WAEC is the only one qualified to respond to their inquiries.

According to Hon. Pascal Agbodike, education is crucial. We have to hold off on talking till the Head shows up.

"This is a national embarrassment," Osawaru continued. We need to exercise caution and only accept the best candidate. I propose that we wait for the Head to arrive today instead of listening to the WAEC deputies.

The committee approved the motion and gave the Head of WAEC till Monday at 2:00 PM to come before them.