The West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and the Federal Ministry of Education are facing a ₦100 billion lawsuit over alleged abuse and endangerment of students during the 2025 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).
Human rights lawyer Evans Ufeli filed the case at the Federal High Court in Lagos, representing affected students. He claims that WAEC and the ministry subjected candidates to harsh and degrading conditions, especially during the English Language exam — which, in some instances, was conducted as late as 8 p.m. in dimly lit and unsafe environments.
Ufeli described the treatment as unconstitutional and harmful to the well-being and academic performance of minors. He cited Sections 33 to 36 and 46 of the 1999 Constitution, as well as the Child Rights Act and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, arguing that students’ fundamental rights were severely breached.
The lawsuit demands several forms of redress, including:
- A court-ordered re-sit of all exams affected by the irregularities,
- A public apology from WAEC and the education ministry,
- A complete reform of the examination logistics and procedures,
- And ₦100 billion in general and exemplary damages for the emotional distress and rights violations suffered by students.
“The Respondents failed in their legal duty to safeguard the rights of students during this critical national exam,” the legal filing stated. “This failure has led to widespread psychological harm, academic disruption, and physical risks.”
Ufeli also argued that students’ rights to dignity, fair hearing, and life were disregarded due to administrative failures and poor planning. He emphasized that this issue reflects deeper problems beyond a single exam, stating:
“This is about the future of an entire generation. The law does not allow government agencies to trample on the rights of students because of logistical incompetence.”
He supported his claims with reports from the National Assembly, civil society groups, and media outlets, which documented chaotic scenes at exam centers, including delayed materials and poor organization.
A date for the court hearing has yet to be announced.