The House of Representatives has scrutinized the Head of the National Office of the West African Examination Council (WAEC) Nigeria, Josiah Dangut, over a significant ₦6 billion deficit incurred by the agency in 2023, as well as a ₦5 billion loan taken in 2022 for the purchase of customized calculators.
During an investigative hearing led by Rep. Oforji Oboku, the House Committee on Basic Examination Bodies demanded explanations from WAEC regarding its financial management. The committee questioned how WAEC generated ₦34 billion in 2023 but spent ₦40 billion, leading to the substantial deficit. The committee also raised concerns about the approval process for the ₦5 billion loan, which should have required higher-level authorization beyond the Ministerial Board’s capacity.
When asked to provide documentation, Dangut presented the agency’s cashbook. However, the committee insisted on receiving WAEC’s bank statements from 2018 to the present within a week. The committee was dissatisfied with WAEC’s cooperation, noting that the examination body only submitted one of the eight requested documents, the nominal role. They further demanded a detailed breakdown of the expenditures leading to the ₦6 billion deficit and all correspondences related to the calculator purchase.
Rep. Awaji-Inombek Abiante criticized WAEC for its lack of transparency, accusing the agency of denying Nigerians the value of their investment in the institution. The committee also questioned WAEC’s adherence to the Public Procurement and Financial Regulations Act, particularly regarding the payment of 50% of the contract sum for the construction of its Taraba office, valued at ₦532 million.
In response, Dangut requested additional time to provide the necessary documents and explained that the 50% payment was made to prevent cost increases due to inflation.
The committee remains focused on holding WAEC accountable and ensuring that all financial activities comply with the law.