Nigerian Lawmakers React Strongly to Reports of Midnight WASSCE Exams Across the Country

 Reps Express Outrage Over Midnight WAEC Exams, Demand Full-Scale Investigation

The Nigerian House of Representatives has expressed deep outrage over disturbing reports that students in certain parts of Nigeria were allegedly forced to write their West African Senior School Certificate Examinations (WASSCE) in the middle of the night. The lawmakers have now launched a full-scale investigation into the matter, demanding answers from the West African Examinations Council (WAEC).
At a recent meeting held at the National Assembly, members of the House Committee on Basic Examination Bodies voiced strong concerns about what they described as a “shocking failure” on the part of WAEC to uphold basic standards of safety, welfare, and responsibility towards Nigerian students.

According to reports presented during the House hearing, there were confirmed incidents in locations such as Jalingo, Taraba State, where WAEC exams allegedly began around 12:00 a.m. Students and their parents have raised alarms about the mental and physical toll such unusual schedules have inflicted.
Chairman of the Committee, Hon. Oboku Oforji, did not hold back in his criticism. Speaking with palpable concern, he said,

“This is a gross failure of responsibility. The emotional and psychological well-being of our children has been recklessly compromised. What WAEC has subjected these students to is simply unacceptable.”

The lawmaker emphasized that the issue goes beyond mere logistics or scheduling—it is about the fundamental duty of care owed to young Nigerians and their families.
The committee summoned WAEC representatives to appear before it and answer to the troubling reports. However, tensions flared when it was revealed that WAEC’s Head of National Office failed to attend the hearing, citing an “emergency meeting” as the reason for the absence.
In his place, Ambrose Okelezo, Senior Assistant Registrar and Zonal Coordinator, represented the Council. Okelezo requested that the session be rescheduled to allow the WAEC Head to appear in person.
This request was met with fierce opposition from lawmakers who viewed the absence as a slight against the National Assembly’s authority and a delay tactic to avoid accountability.
One of the most powerful testimonies came from Hon. Awaji-Inombek Abiante (PDP–Rivers), who recounted distressing calls he received from students in his constituency.

“In my village, where we have no electricity, students were forced to write their exams at 12 a.m. and 1 a.m. These children called me in tears. And to make matters worse, some of the question papers were even transported in a keke [tricycle] that also carries passengers. This is disgraceful and entirely unacceptable.”

Abiante questioned the competence of WAEC's representative to address such a serious matter, underscoring how deeply the incident had affected families in underserved communities.
Also speaking at the session, Hon. Billy Osawaru (PDP–Edo) described WAEC’s explanation as “shocking” and pointed out that this was not merely a case of poor scheduling but a sign of deeper structural issues within the examination council.

“This isn’t just a scheduling issue. This is systemic failure bordering on gross negligence. Students are being made to suffer due to poor planning and lack of foresight from WAEC.”

He went on to support a motion calling for the hearing to be adjourned until WAEC’s head could appear in person to offer a proper explanation and take full responsibility.
Hon. Osawaru’s motion, seconded by Hon. Abiante, was unanimously adopted by the committee. Lawmakers made it clear that any further attempt by WAEC to delay or downplay the seriousness of the issue would not be tolerated.
The committee resolved to reconvene on Monday, June 2, 2025, at 2:00 p.m., where WAEC’s leadership is expected to provide full disclosure about the circumstances that led to the midnight examinations.
Hon. Oforji emphasized:

“Parents across Nigeria deserve clear and honest answers. Our students deserve better. This is a national embarrassment, and we will not rest until we get to the root of it.”

The incident has triggered a broader conversation across the country about the state of Nigeria’s education system, especially the credibility and logistics of high-stakes national examinations like WAEC and NECO. Many education stakeholders, teachers’ unions, and parent-teacher associations are now demanding reforms in how exams are administered.
Experts have pointed out that subjecting teenagers to exams at midnight not only raises serious child protection concerns but also risks the validity of the examinations themselves. Fatigue, fear, poor lighting, and lack of transportation are just a few of the issues that compromise the fairness and accuracy of such exams.
In a country where power outages are common and many rural areas lack basic infrastructure, this development has reignited debates about the digital transformation and modernization of Nigeria’s education sector.
Social media platforms and education-focused forums have been buzzing with reactions from concerned parents and students.  JAMB Launches Emergency Support Centre for Candidates Amid UTME Rescheduling Challenges
One parent, Mrs. Foluke Adeyemi from Kwara State, said:

“My daughter was scared and confused. She told me they had to wait until midnight because WAEC officials didn’t arrive until very late. What kind of planning is that? Are our children no longer safe?”

A student from Jalingo, who wished to remain anonymous, shared:

“It was scary. We had to use candles and phone flashlights. Some of us hadn’t even eaten. How can we perform well under those conditions?”

This incident serves as a painful reminder of the many systemic challenges facing education in Nigeria. From poor infrastructure and logistics to lack of proper oversight, the midnight WAEC exams incident has highlighted a gap that must urgently be bridged.
As Nigerians await the June 2 hearing, one thing remains clear: stakeholders must act now to prevent such an alarming occurrence from ever happening again. The future of Nigeria’s youth and the credibility of its educational system depend on it.