House of Representatives Probes WAEC’s Unauthorized N5 Billion Loan for ‘Customized’ Calculators and Other items

The House of Representatives has launched a probe into the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) over a N5billion loan obtained to purchase “customized” calculators and other items. The House Committee on Public Accounts grilled the WAEC Registrar, Patrick Areghan, over the loan, which was obtained without the approval of the National Assembly.

The Committee expressed concern over the loan, which was used to purchase calculators, laptops, and other items, describing it as a “misuse of public funds”. The Committee’s Chairman, Oluwole Oke, stated that the loan was obtained without following due process, adding that the Committee would get to the bottom of the matter.

WAEC Registrar Defends N5Billion Loan

The WAEC Registrar, Patrick Areghan, defended the N5billion loan, stating that it was used to purchase “customized” calculators that would prevent examination malpractice. Areghan explained that the calculators were designed to prevent candidates from accessing unauthorized materials during examinations. He added that the loan was necessary to ensure the integrity of the examination process.

However, the Committee members were not convinced by Areghan’s explanation, pointing out that the loan was excessive and could have been used for more pressing needs. The Committee of House of Representatives also questioned the need for “customized” calculators, arguing that it was a waste of public funds.

House of Representatives Committee Expresses Concern Over Lack of Transparency

The House of Representatives Committee on Public Accounts expressed concern over the lack of transparency in the procurement process, stating that the loan was obtained without following due process. The House of Representatives Committee members pointed out that the loan was not approved by the National Assembly, adding that it was a clear case of misappropriation of public funds.

The House of Representatives Committee also questioned the value for money, stating that the calculators and laptops purchased with the loan were overpriced. The Committee’s Chairman, Oluwole Oke, stated that the House of Representatives Committee would conduct a thorough investigation into the matter and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.

PROCUREMENT PROCESS UNDER SCRUTINY

The procurement process used by WAEC to purchase the calculators and laptops has come under scrutiny, with the House of Representatives Committee questioning the transparency and value for money. The House of Representatives Committee members pointed out that the procurement process was not open and competitive, adding that it was a clear case of misappropriation of public funds.

The Committee also questioned the role of the Federal Ministry of Education in the procurement process, stating that the Ministry failed to provide adequate oversight. The Committee’s Chairman, Oluwole Oke, stated that the Committee would conduct a thorough investigation into the matter and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.

House of Representatives: WAEC’s Financial Management Under Fire

WAEC’s financial management has come under fire, with the Committee questioning the Council’s ability to manage public funds. The Committee members pointed out that the N5billion loan was excessive and could have been used for more pressing needs.

The House of Representatives Committee also questioned the Council’s reliance on loans to fund its activities, stating that it was unsustainable. The Committee’s Chairman, Oluwole Oke, stated that the Committee would conduct a thorough investigation into the matter and ensure that those responsible are held accountable.

House of Representatives Committee Threatens to Invite Minister of Education

The House of Representatives Committee on Public Accounts has threatened to invite the Minister of Education, Adamu Adamu, to explain the Ministry’s role in the procurement process. The Committee members pointed out that the Ministry failed to provide adequate oversight, adding that it was a clear case of misappropriation of public funds.

The Committee’s Chairman, Oluwole Oke, stated that the Committee would conduct a thorough investigation into the matter and ensure that those responsible are held accountable. The Committee also threatened to invite other officials involved in the procurement process to explain their roles.