Ufeli's lawsuit, filed on behalf of affected students, specifically targets the conduct of the May 2025 English Language examination, which he seeks to have declared as "unlawful, inhumane, and constitutionally defective."
Degrading Conditions and Traumatic Experiences Alleged
The core of Ufeli's accusation against WAEC and the Ministry of Education revolves around allegations that students were subjected to "degrading and traumatic conditions" during the examination. These conditions reportedly included writing papers in darkness and unsafe environments, with some sessions extending as late as 8 PM.
The originating motion, brought under Sections 33, 34, 35, 36, and 46 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), alongside relevant provisions of the Child Rights Act and the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights, seeks extensive judicial interventions.
Ufeli alleges that "thousands of students were forced to sit for exams in unsafe, dimly lit, and hazardous environments," often lacking adequate lighting or security. Such conditions, he argues, constitute a violation of the rights to human dignity, fair hearing, and life, as guaranteed by Nigerian law and international treaties.
The suit asserts that the respondents, WAEC and the Federal Ministry of Education, "failed in their constitutional and statutory duties to protect the rights of students during a high-stakes national examination. The result is widespread psychological trauma, disruption of academic performance, and exposure to physical harm."
Demands for Redress and Compensation
Among the comprehensive reliefs sought by Ufeli are:
* A declaration that the conduct of the 2025 WASSCE English Language exam under unsafe and dark conditions violated students’ fundamental rights.
* A mandatory order compelling WAEC and the Ministry of Education to organize a re-sit of all affected papers at no cost to students.
* An order directing the respondents to issue a public apology and undertake a thorough review of their examination logistics and contingency procedures.
* A staggering N100 billion in general and exemplary damages to compensate for the alleged mental anguish, trauma, and violation of students’ rights.
"Monumental Failure of Planning and Foresight"
In a strong statement accompanying the suit, Ufeli lambasted WAEC for what he termed "a monumental failure of planning and foresight." He dismissed the examination body's justifications of security threats and malpractice concerns, stating that these are not valid excuses to subject minors to inhumane treatment.
"This case is not just about one paper. It is about the future of a generation. The law does not permit the State or its agencies to sacrifice the rights and well-being of students on the altar of bureaucratic ineptitude," Ufeli asserted.
He further cited findings from the National Assembly, various media outlets, and civil society organizations, which have all corroborated reports of widespread irregularities, delays in the delivery of examination materials, and chaotic conduct observed in many centers across the country during the WASSCE.
As of the time of this report, no date has been fixed for the hearing of the suit. This legal action highlights growing public concern over the integrity and conditions surrounding national examinations in Nigeria, particularly in light of recent controversies.