Nigerian Lawmakers Investigate WAEC Over N6 Billion Deficit and N5 Billion Calculator Loan

Nigerian Lawmakers Probe WAEC's Financial Mismanagement, the House of Representatives Committee on Basic Examination Bodies launched a thorough investigation into the West African Examination Council (WAEC) Nigeria over a staggering N6 billion deficit in 2023 and a controversial N5 billion loan for customized calculators.

The committee grilled WAEC Nigeria's Head, Josiah Dangut, demanding detailed explanations and evidence of due process.

The lawmakers were particularly concerned about how WAEC managed to generate N34 billion in 2023 but ended up spending N40 billion, resulting in a significant deficit.

They also questioned the approval process for the N5 billion loan used to purchase customized calculators, which even a Ministerial Board could not authorize.

Committee member Awaji-Inombek Abiante expressed frustration with WAEC's lack of cooperation, stating, "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."

The committee demanded several documents from WAEC, including: - Bank statements from 2018 to date

- Evidence of due process for the calculator purchase

- Payment records and vouchers

- Correspondence related to the loan and expenditures

- Submission of accounts to the Auditor General from 2018 to 2023

- Profile of the external auditor and engagement letters for the past three years Despite providing a cashbook, WAEC's responses were deemed unsatisfactory, leading the committee to mandate the submission of additional documents within a week.

Dangut pleaded for more time to gather the required information and explained that he had to pay 50% of the Taraba state office contract sum upfront to avoid inflationary losses.

Committee Chairman Oboku emphasized that the inquiry was not a witch-hunt but a constitutional obligation to ensure transparency and accountability.

"Both the legislative house and WAEC are bound by the Constitution.

As such, the committee expects full cooperation from WAEC, including the timely provision of all necessary documents to expedite our inquiry and report," he said.