Senate Upholds Sacking of WAEC Official Over Exam Script  Fraud

The Nigerian Senate has upheld the dismissal of one Mrs Sandra Nimi Harry, a senior official of the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), for her role in a major exam malpractice scandal involving tampering with answer scripts.

Presenting the report of the Senate Committee on Ethics, Senator Neda Imasuen revealed that Harry then Head of the Scripts Room was found guilty of aiding a fellow WAEC staffer, Mr. Raymond Obi, in swapping original answer booklets with those belonging to unregistered candidates during a private exam held in Port Harcourt.

Obi, who admitted to the act, confessed that Harry had directed him to the envelopes containing the original scripts, allegedly on instructions from another WAEC staff member, Mr. Joseph Pepple, who was familiar with the candidates.

Harry, who had served WAEC since July 15, 1992, was dismissed on July 19, 2023, following three separate investigations by WAEC’s internal panels. 

Despite her 31 years of previously clean service, all panels found her and two other staff members culpable and recommended dismissal for gross misconduct.

While the Senate Ethics Committee had suggested her punishment be reduced to compulsory retirement as a compassionate gesture, the Senate flatly rejected the idea.

Senator Garba Maidoki (APC, Kebbi South) led the opposition to any leniency, stating, the accused woman has done great injustice to the children who sat for the exam and to the credibility of WAEC certifications. 

He added that the woman deserves no mercy and should be prosecuted.

Backing the tough stance, Senator Adams Oshiomhole (APC, Edo North) condemned Harry’s conduct as a national atrocity adding that such betrayal must be met with firm consequences.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio concluded the debate with a warning that her conduct sets a dangerous precedent. 

He stated that if such actions are condoned  others close to retirement  may begin to tamper with scripts for personal gain. 

The lawmakers say her dismissal must stand and even suggesting stiffer punishment