2026 Budget Defence: House Committee Warns Examination Bodies Against Obstruction, Demands Accountability
By Raphael Ekpang
Abuja (Core Reporters) The House Committee on Basic Education Examination Bodies has issued a firm warning to examination agencies under the Committee’s oversight, cautioning against intimidation, blackmail, or any attempt to frustrate the constitutional responsibilities of Parliament.
Speaking at the 2026 Budget Defence meeting with the leadership of examination bodies, on Monday, February 16, the Chairman of the committee Hon Oforji Oboku reaffirmed the Committee’s commitment to ensuring transparency, accountability, and improved service delivery in Nigeria’s educational assessment system.
Hon Oboku said, “The Committee will not tolerate intimidation or blackmail aimed at preventing it from performing its legitimate constitutional duties.”
He stressed that the House Committee is mandated under Sections 80 and 81 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) to scrutinise the financial records, project implementation, and proposed programmes of agencies under its jurisdiction.
The Chairman expressed concern over delays and challenges in the submission of vital documents required for legislative review, noting that such actions undermine effective oversight and public accountability.
He further reminded examination bodies of their critical responsibility in safeguarding the future of Nigerian children, stressing that the integrity of examinations remains central to national development.
The Chairman referenced the disturbing incidents recorded during last year’s Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), describing them as embarrassing to the nation and damaging to the credibility of Nigerian educational certificates.
“The Parliament will not sit back and allow such unacceptable situations to recur,” he declared.
While dismissing allegations of witch-hunting, the Chairman emphasised that the Committee seeks a constructive working relationship with all agencies, anchored on professionalism and compliance with the law.
He called on examination bodies to remain steadfast, transparent, and prepared to provide any information or documentation required by the Committee in the discharge of its oversight mandate.
The meeting concluded with assurances that the House of Representatives will continue to prioritise reforms that strengthen examination processes and protect the educational future of Nigerian students.
Meanwhile, the committee approved the 2026 budget proposal of the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), while commending it for the 2025 budget performance.
However, the committee resolved to invite NECO, JAMB and NABTED for a more robust budget defence in a later date. This, to enable the agencies to tighten their 2025 budget performance and the 2026 proposals.
