Reps question WAEC officials over N6bn deficit incurred in 2023

The House of Representatives has interrogated Mr. Josiah Dangut, Head of the National Office of the West African Examination Council (WAEC) Nigeria, over a N6 billion deficit incurred by the agency in 2023. During an investigative hearing led by Rep. Oforji Oboku in Abuja on Tuesday, the House Committee on Basic Examination Bodies scrutinized Dangut regarding a N5 billion loan taken in 2022 for purchasing a customized calculator.

Dangut presented the agency’s cashbook but was instructed to provide bank statements instead. The committee questioned how WAEC could generate N34 billion in 2023 yet spend N40 billion and approved a N5 billion loan without proper ministerial approval. They also requested details on the number of students who took the 2022 examinations for which the calculators were purchased.

The committee deemed WAEC’s responses unsatisfactory and ordered the submission of all bank statements from 2018 onward within a week. Committee member Awaji-Inombek Abiante criticized WAEC for being uncooperative and obstructive.

Out of eight requested documents, WAEC only submitted the nominal roll. The committee demanded further details on expenditures leading to the N6 billion deficit, all correspondence regarding the calculators, and proof of approval for the N5 billion loan. They also requested evidence of due process in contract awards and payments, and compliance with public procurement regulations in the N532 million Taraba office contract.

Dangut requested additional time to provide the necessary documents and explained that the 50 percent advance payment for the Taraba office contract was made to counter rising inflation.