The House of Representatives Committee on Basic Examination Bodies has launched a comprehensive investigation into the financial operations of the West African Examination Council (WAEC) Nigeria. This inquiry was triggered by concerns over a N6 billion deficit reported in 2023 and a controversial N5 billion loan taken out for the purchase of customized calculators.
The committee, led by its chairman, summoned WAEC Nigeria’s Head, Josiah Dangut, along with other senior officials of the examination body, to answer questions about the apparent discrepancies in their financial records. Accompanying Dangut were key figures from WAEC, including Registrar Angus Okeleze, Senior Deputy Registrar Victor Odu, Acting Director of Finance Segun Jerumeh, and Deputy Director of Finance WAEC.
During the session, Dangut appealed for additional time to present the necessary documents, including detailed accounts and financial statements. He explained that a significant portion of the expenditures, such as the 50% upfront payment for the construction of WAEC’s Taraba State office, was made to avoid potential losses due to inflation. However, his explanations did not satisfy the committee, which was intent on uncovering the full story behind WAEC’s financial decisions.
The committee chairman made it clear that the investigation was not a witch-hunt but a constitutional duty aimed at ensuring transparency and accountability in the management of public funds. He emphasized that the committee’s role is to safeguard public interest by scrutinizing how taxpayer money is spent, particularly in organizations like WAEC that play a crucial role in Nigeria’s education system.
One of the key issues raised by the committee was how WAEC generated N34 billion in 2023 but ended up spending N40 billion, leading to a significant deficit. The committee also questioned the authorization of the N5 billion loan, which was taken without proper approval, raising concerns about WAEC’s financial governance.
In response to these inquiries, Dangut presented the committee with WAEC’s cashbook, but this was deemed insufficient. The committee demanded a full disclosure of WAEC’s financial records, including bank statements dating back to 2018. The lawmakers expressed frustration over what they perceived as WAEC’s lack of cooperation, accusing the examination body of withholding crucial information.
Committee member Awaji-Inombek Abiante voiced his dissatisfaction, describing WAEC as uncooperative. He insisted that WAEC must be held accountable for its financial management, especially given the significant investment the country has made in the organization. “WAEC Nigeria was an uncooperative witness in this process, shielding and denying Nigerians of having value for whatever investment the country has had in that office. WAEC must submit all bank account statements for further investigation,” he said.
The committee’s displeasure was further heightened by WAEC’s failure to provide several documents that had been requested. Of the eight submissions demanded by the committee, only one—a nominal roll—was submitted. This lack of compliance led the committee to issue a stern warning to WAEC, stressing that all required documents must be submitted promptly to facilitate the investigation.
The chairman of the committee was particularly concerned about how WAEC managed to approve a loan as large as N5 billion without proper oversight. He questioned whether the examination body had the authority to approve such a significant financial commitment, noting that even a Ministerial Board would not have the power to authorize a loan of that magnitude. The committee also inquired about the specifics of the student participation in the 2022 exams, especially regarding the distribution of the customized calculators purchased with the loan.
The lawmakers demanded that WAEC provide detailed records of the expenditures that contributed to the N6 billion deficit, as well as all correspondence related to the purchase of the customized calculators. The committee insisted that WAEC must present evidence of approval for the N5 billion loan, including documentation showing that due process was followed in awarding the contract for the calculators. They also requested payment vouchers, bank records, and proof that WAEC had submitted its accounts to the Auditor General for the Federation from 2018 to 2023.
Furthermore, the committee requested a profile of the external auditors who have worked with WAEC over the past three years, along with the engagement letters for these auditors. This request aims to ensure that WAEC’s financial statements have been thoroughly and independently audited, and that any discrepancies have been properly addressed.
Another point of contention was the payment of 50% of the contract sum for the construction of WAEC’s Taraba State office, which totaled N532 million. The committee questioned why such a large advance payment was made, particularly given the concerns about financial mismanagement within the organization. Dangut defended the decision by citing the need to preempt inflationary pressures that could have significantly increased the cost of construction if the payment had been delayed.
Despite Dangut’s plea for more time to gather the necessary documents, the committee remained firm in its demands. They reiterated that WAEC is obligated to comply with their requests and provide a full accounting of its financial activities. The lawmakers stressed that this investigation is crucial for ensuring that WAEC operates with integrity and transparency, particularly given its pivotal role in administering standardized examinations across Nigeria and other West African countries.
