Video: Reps turn away WAEC delegation, demand presence of national head

Video: Reps turn away WAEC delegation, demand presence of national head

Abdullateef Fowewe

The House of Representatives Committee on Basic Education and Examination Bodies rejected a delegation from the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), stating that only the Head of the National Office is permitted to address matters relating to the current examinations.

Video link: https://x.com/DailyEconews/status/1928826103222739148?t=cwOvXs-Epl26jpAb0urxFQ&s=19

The committee on Friday dismissed the group, which included Senior Assistant Registrar Ambrose Okelezo, and issued a 24-hour ultimatum for WAEC to ensure the National Head appears before them.

Okelezo informed the legislators that the Head of the National Office was busy managing the printing of examination materials but would be available to appear on Monday.

Nevertheless, the committee dismissed this explanation, underscoring the importance and urgency of the issues raised.

Okelezo informed the committee that the Head of National Office had already held meetings with other officials to devise solutions to the ongoing issues.

He requested that the Head be allowed to appear before the committee on Monday to provide a comprehensive explanation.

Okelezo also admitted there had been delays and other challenges affecting the examinations.

However, the lawmakers remained dissatisfied with the response.

A rep member, Awaji Abiante angrily said, “He just told us he is not the right person to speak. Then why is he here? People in my village wrote exams at 12 a.m. or 1 a.m. Their question papers were even left with commercial drivers! This is incompetence.”

He also questioned the plan for computer-based tests, saying many schools lack computers and the knowledge to use them.

Reps turn away WAEC delegation, demand presence of national head