The House of Representatives Committee on Basic Education and Examination Bodies has rejected a delegation from the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) over abnormalities reported in the ongoing Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE).
The committee, headed by Chairman Oforji Oboku, firmly said that the Head of National Office must appear in person to address the issues.
Students taking exams in the dark has sparked controversy, with some others reportedly starting their exams around midnight.
The committee described the incidents as "unpalatable and embarrassing," highlighting the emotional trauma these children went through.
"We need to know the immediate and remote causes of this anomaly," Oboku said.
"As stakeholders, we owe the public a duty of care, and we must not leave any stone unturned to prevent a future occurrence."
He added that it is expected of WAEC to organise examinations with high standards, diligence, and proper duty of care.
WAEC's Senior Assistant Registrar and Zonal Coordinator, Ambrose Okelezo, explained that the Head of National Office was unavailable due to exam material printing supervision, scheduled to end Saturday.
Okelezo asked that the Head appear before the committee on Monday, 2nd June, to give a detailed explanation of the incidents.
Nevertheless, the lawmakers were unfazed, with some members expressing and voicing outrage over the examination body.
Awaji Nnombek Abiante stated, "He has just told us that he is not competent to speak to us. So what else is he doing?... You have failed, I don't know why, for a country of over 200 million Nigerians, the government cannot have competent hands to handle simple issues."
The committee issued a 24-hour ultimatum to WAEC's National Office Head, demanding their appearance and rejecting the delegation's rationale.
Hon. Billy Osawaru emphasised that the committee cannot entertain the WAEC staff until the head appears, citing parliamentary procedures.
Pascal Agbodike added, "Whatever thing that is worth doing, is worth doing well... Let us wait on that date so that we can discuss one-on-one".