By Mercy Aikoye
The House of Representatives Committee on Basic Examination Bodies questioned the Head of National Office of the West African Examination Council (WAEC) Nigeria, Josiah Dangut, over a N6 billion deficit incurred in 2023 and a N5 billion loan obtained in 2022 for the purchase of customized calculators.
The Committee, led by Chairman Oboku, expressed dissatisfaction with WAEC’s uncooperative attitude and demanded submission of bank statements from 2018 to date within a week.
WAEC was also queried on how it generated N34 billion in 2023 but spent N40 billion, and how it approved a N5 billion loan without following due process.
The Committee demanded explanations for the N6 billion deficit, expenditures related to the customized calculators, and evidence of approval and payment for the loan.
Additionally, WAEC was asked to provide evidence of submission of accounts to the Auditor General for the Federation from 2018 to 2023, the profile of the external auditor, and engagement letters for the past three years.
The Committee also questioned WAEC’s breach of financial regulations in the payment of 50% of the contract sum for the construction of its Taraba state office worth N532 million.
Dangut pleaded for more time to present the required documents, explaining that the 50% payment was made to avoid inflationary increases.
The Committee Chairman emphasized that the inquiry is not a witch-hunt but a constitutional obligation to ensure accountability.
