A Lagos-based human rights lawyer, Evans Ufeli, has instituted a N100 billion lawsuit against the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and the Minister of Education over the controversial conduct of the 2025 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).
The legal action, filed on behalf of affected students, seeks to declare the conduct of the May 2025 English Language examination as unlawful, inhumane, and constitutionally defective. Ufeli alleges that students were subjected to degrading and traumatic conditions, including writing papers in darkness and unsafe environments, with some examinations extending as late as 8pm.
The originating motion was brought pursuant to Sections 33, 34, 35, 36, and 46 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), as well as relevant provisions of the Child Rights Act and the African Charter on Human and Peoples' Rights.
Key Demands in the Lawsuit
Among the six key reliefs sought by the lawyer are:
- A declaration that conducting the 2025 WASSCE English Language exam in unsafe and dark conditions violated students' fundamental rights
- A mandatory order compelling WAEC and the Ministry of Education to organize a re-sit of the affected papers at no cost to students
- An order directing the respondents to publicly apologize and undertake a comprehensive review of their examination logistics
- N100 billion in general and exemplary damages for alleged mental anguish, trauma, and violation of students' rights
In his application, Ufeli claimed that thousands of students were forced to sit for exams in "unsafe, dimly lit, and hazardous environments," often without adequate lighting or security. He argued that such conditions violate the rights to human dignity, fair hearing, and life, as guaranteed under Nigerian law and international treaties.
"The Respondents failed in their constitutional and statutory duties to protect the rights of students during a high-stakes national examination. The result is widespread psychological trauma, disruption of academic performance, and exposure to physical harm," the application reads in part.
Widespread Irregularities Reported
The lawsuit cites findings from the National Assembly, media outlets, and civil society organizations that corroborated reports of widespread irregularities, late delivery of exam materials, and chaotic conduct in many centers across the country.
In a statement accompanying the suit, Ufeli criticized WAEC for what he described as "a monumental failure of planning and foresight," emphasizing that security threats and malpractice concerns do not justify subjecting minors to inhumane treatment.
"This case is not just about one paper. It is about the future of a generation. The law does not permit the State or its agencies to sacrifice the rights and well-being of students on the altar of bureaucratic ineptitude," Ufeli stated.
The controversial examinations had previously drawn criticism from various quarters, including former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, who described the situation as a "national disgrace." There were also reports of a school building collapse in Taraba during the examinations, though students reportedly escaped unharmed.
No date has been fixed for the hearing of the suit as of the time of this report.
