NBA Condemns JAMB and WAEC Over ‘Shambolic’ 2025 Exam Conduct”

Abuja, Nigeria – The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has issued a scathing rebuke of the 2025 examinations conducted by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) and the West African Examination Council (WAEC), describing the processes as “shambolic” and a breach of students’ fundamental rights.

NBA President, Afam Osigwe (SAN), in a statement co-signed by General Secretary Mobolaji Ojibara on Saturday, decried the growing impunity in institutions that should be exemplars of integrity, accusing both examination bodies of failing Nigerian students in both principle and practice.

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The NBA’s criticism focused not only on the technical and logistical failures during the 2025 exams but also on the deeper implications of such failures on students’ rights and the credibility of Nigeria’s education system. Osigwe noted that the exams were conducted under unacceptable conditions—ranging from time delays to lack of power supply and inadequate security—despite being scheduled for daytime.

“No sane human being should be compelled to sit for an examination that was advertised to be conducted in the daytime but ended up being done in the night,” the NBA’s statement read. “WAEC did not advertise that its examinations would be conducted in the night in halls where there would be no adequate facilities like power and security.”

The NBA argued that these irregularities amount to a breach of both the students’ contractual agreements and constitutional rights, specifically sections 34 and 39, which ensure the dignity of persons and the freedom to receive knowledge and information.

Government Silence Fuels Concern

The NBA also directed criticism at the Federal Ministry of Education and its minister, Dr. Tunji Alausa, for what it described as a lack of accountability and failure to intervene.

“Since the occurrence of these incidents, no statement or intervention has been made by the Federal Ministry of Education,” the statement continued. “Public officials must be held accountable for every dereliction and how they exercise their official powers.”

The association emphasized that both JAMB and WAEC had failed to uphold their statutory responsibilities with professionalism and respect for students, further harming the global perception of Nigeria’s educational system.

“These unfortunate incidents have further stained our educational sector, thereby, further de-marketing the country in the comity of nations,” the NBA declared.

NBA Urges Legislative Probe

In a strong call to action, Osigwe urged the National Assembly to step in immediately and investigate the failings of JAMB and WAEC through a joint committee comprising both chambers.

“We therefore call upon the leadership of the National Assembly (the Senate and the House of Representatives) to urgently set up a joint Committee to investigate the circumstances that led to these unfortunate incidents,” the statement demanded.

The NBA insists that those responsible for the logistical and administrative lapses must face consequences to ensure that similar failures do not recur in future examinations.

Exam Failures Signal Deeper Systemic Breakdown

Beyond the immediate exam fiasco, the NBA’s remarks highlight a broader systemic decay within Nigeria’s educational institutions. In their view, poor planning, lack of transparency, and failure to treat students with dignity reflect a dangerous shift toward institutional impunity in a sector vital to national development.

The association underscored the constitutional guarantee of the right to education and argued that examination bodies must be held to the highest standards, not only for local credibility but also to maintain Nigeria’s standing in international academic circles.

The 2025 exams, marred by technical failures, venue issues, and unprecedented scheduling delays, have drawn widespread criticism from students, parents, and educators. But the NBA’s intervention elevates the issue from a mere administrative error to a matter of national concern, calling for both legal accountability and systemic reform.

As public pressure mounts, attention now turns to the Federal Government and the National Assembly to see if decisive steps will be taken to address the NBA’s concerns—or whether silence and status quo will prevail.