Education experts and civil society groups have raised serious concerns over what they describe as growing political and legislative interference in Nigeria’s examination system, warning that it poses a major threat to the credibility of national assessments and the future of millions of students.
At the centre of the debate is the belief that a strong education system depends on examination bodies that are fair, independent and protected from undue influence. In Nigeria, where public exams determine access to higher education and career opportunities, stakeholders say safeguarding the integrity of institutions like JAMB, WAEC, NECO and NABTEB is a national responsibility.
Recent allegations of intimidation, financial impropriety and excessive legislative pressure have reignited questions about how far oversight should go before it undermines institutional independence. Experts insist that while accountability is important, political interference must not dictate academic outcomes.
Educationist Collins Moji stressed that trust in education begins with credible examinations. “Shielding examinations from political influence is not just an academic necessity; it is a moral obligation to future generations,” he said, adding that merit not power or pressure must remain the basis for assessment.
A coalition of civil society organisations has also spoken out, alleging that the House Committee on Basic Examinations, under its chairman, Hon. Oboku Oforji, has subjected examination bodies to intimidation and financial pressure. The groups claim such actions, if proven, undermine recent reforms aimed at improving transparency, curbing malpractice and modernising exam processes.
Comrade Okpanachi Jacob, convener of the Social Transparency and Youth Leadership Advancement Initiative, said oversight should strengthen institutions, not create fear. He alleged that constant pressure on the leadership of examination bodies had replaced constructive engagement with coercion.
The coalition has called on the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, to remove the committee chairman and refer him to the House Committee on Ethics for investigation. They also warned that failure to act could lead to nationwide protests at the National Assembly.
Beyond allegations of intimidation, the groups raised concerns about questionable financial requests, alleged unilateral foreign trips funded in the committee’s name, unexplained payments running into tens of millions of naira, and the alleged misuse of sensitive financial information to pressure agency heads.
They argued that such practices blur the line between oversight and abuse of power, weaken internal accountability within the legislature and threaten the independence of institutions responsible for assessing Nigerian children.
Civil society organisations are also urging anti-corruption agencies to step in and investigate the claims thoroughly, saying accountability is essential not just for individual cases, but to deter future abuse.
As Nigeria seeks educational reform and global competitiveness, stakeholders insist that the integrity of its examination system must remain non-negotiable. They warn that how authorities respond to these allegations will send a powerful message about the country’s commitment to fairness, transparency and the protection of its young learners’ future.
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