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WAEC Admits Some 2025 SSCE Exams Were "Substandard" Amid Late-Night Testing Controversy

Published on Jun 4, 2025 • Education

The Head of the National Office of the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), Dr. Amos Dangut, has acknowledged that some of the examinations conducted late at night during the 2025 Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) did not meet the Council’s standards.

Speaking before the House of Representatives Committee on Basic Education and Examination Bodies on Monday, Dangut addressed mounting concerns over the integrity and credibility of the exams conducted under what lawmakers described as “inhumane conditions.”

Background: Widespread Delays and Torchlight Exams
The controversy erupted following reports last week of significant disruptions at numerous examination centers nationwide, particularly during the English Language paper. Though scheduled to begin at 9:00 a.m., the paper was delayed by several hours at multiple locations, with some candidates not starting until late into the night.

Eyewitnesses and candidates described situations where students were forced to rely on torchlights, mobile phone flashlights, and even candlelight to complete their papers due to the lack of electricity.

These developments sparked public outcry, especially from parents, educators, and civil society organizations, questioning the credibility of the examinations and WAEC’s preparedness.

WAEC's Explanation: Leaked Papers and Emergency Reprinting
During the hearing, Dr. Dangut explained that the irregularities stemmed from an emergency need to replace exam questions that were leaked prior to the scheduled exam time. This forced WAEC to urgently print and distribute new sets of papers — a move that severely delayed logistics and led to the late-night exams.

He admitted that WAEC's printing facility was operating below full capacity, necessitating the engagement of third-party vendors, which inadvertently exposed the process to breaches.

Lawmakers Demand Accountability and Clear Standards
Committee member Hon. Billy Osawaru pressed Dangut on the legitimacy of the exams under such conditions.

“Can the exams conducted using phone flashlights as the only light source be truly considered credible?” Osawaru asked. “Show me where in WAEC’s guidelines it allows this.”

Initially, Dangut defended the exercise, insisting that the exams remained credible. However, after continued questioning and mounting pressure from the panel, he conceded:

“Those particular exams were substandard,” he admitted.

Committee Orders Full Report and Policy Guidelines
In his closing remarks, Committee Chairman, Hon. Oboku Oforji, condemned the incident and requested that WAEC submit its official examination guidelines, as well as a comprehensive report detailing the conduct of the 2025 SSCE, especially in the affected areas.

“It is unacceptable that in a country of this size and potential, national exams are conducted under torchlight. We need answers, and we need reforms,” Oforji said.

The House Committee reaffirmed its commitment to restoring credibility in Nigeria’s examination system and ensuring that future examinations uphold the standards expected by students, parents, and the international community.