A coalition of civil society organisations has expressed concern over what it described as legislative interference by members of the National Assembly in the affairs of examination bodies.

The organisations called for constructive, transparent and mutually respectful engagement between committees of the House of Representatives and Nigeria’s examination bodies, while stressing the need to preserve institutional independence within the education sector.

Speaking on behalf of the coalition, the Convener of the Social Transparency and Youth Leadership Advancement Initiative, Okpanachi Jacob, said the CSOs were offering general observations and recommendations aimed at strengthening governance, accountability and public confidence in educational institutions.

According to him, “interactions between lawmakers and examination bodies such as the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, the West African Examinations Council, the National Examinations Council and the National Business and Technical Examinations Board should be guided by transparency, due process and mutual respect.”

Jacob said the organisations believe that “maintaining clear institutional boundaries and professional standards is essential to sustaining the credibility of examination processes nationwide.”

He clarified that the CSOs’ position was not based on any established wrongdoing or confirmed incidents, but rather on a broader commitment to promoting best practices in legislative oversight and public administration.

The coalition also underscored the importance of “clear internal procedures within legislative committees, particularly on administrative and operational matters, as part of efforts to enhance efficiency and public trust.”

In addition, the organisations encouraged “greater openness and clarity in governance processes, noting that transparency strengthens democratic institutions and fosters citizen confidence.”

They further urged the leadership of the House of Representatives, under the Speaker, Tajudeen Abbas, to continue supporting ethical standards, internal cohesion and strict adherence to rules governing legislative operations.

The coalition stressed that safeguarding the autonomy and credibility of Nigeria’s examination bodies is in the national interest and called for sustained collaboration among stakeholders in line with constitutional principles and democratic values.

Lawmakers overseeing examination bodies in Nigeria conduct quarterly hearings to review budget allocations, procurement processes and the integrity of national examinations. At a recent hearing, legislators grilled officials over alleged irregularities in test score releases and demanded stricter enforcement of anti-cheating measures to restore public confidence. The committees also mandated independent audits of the bodies’ financial statements.

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A non-governmental organisation, Health Promotion for People With Addiction and Suicide, has partnered the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Rotary Club of Yenagoa City Centre and Damaris Hotel and Suites to sensitise students on the harmful effects of drug abuse.

Over 100 senior secondary school students of the Government Secondary School, Obogoro on Tuesday benefited from the sensitisation programme with the theme, ‘Sensitisation On Substance Uses And Its Impacts On Youths’ Brain.’

The President and Chief Executive Officer of HEPPWAS, Prof Izebeloko Jack Ibe, a professor of Mental Health and Psychiatric Nursing at the Niger Delta University spoke on the harmful effects of drugs on the human brain.

Ibe, who hails from Obogoro community in the Yenagoa Local Government Area of Bayelsa State, said she shared the same background with the students and enjoined them to strive for the top.

The Prof added, “Don’t let circumstances make you a stumbling block to others. You can be what you want to be, you can strive for the top.”

She, however, warned that while some organs of the body can regenerate, the brain does not regenerate, and “when we take substance in this brain that cannot expand, they excite the brain cells which cannot regenerate, and they damage the brain.”

According to her, some of the social ills among children such as stubbornness and lack of respect for elders are traceable to substance abuse and cautioned the students against engaging in it

Mr. Godwin Erepa, NDLEA Assistant State Commander, Drug Demand Reduction Unit, enumerated some harmful drugs including ice, fentanyl, cannabis and local gin (ogogoro).

Erepa said such substance abuse leads to crime and criminality, adding that many cases of domestic violence are caused by substance abuse.

Another native of Obogoro community, Dr. Pawei Igodo, warned the students to shun drugs and focus on their studies and also highlighted the harmful effects of drugs on the human brain.

HEPPWAS Executive Secretary, Mr. Ben Ibe, said, “An estimated 14.3 million Nigerians are using drugs and could be responsible for the growing cases of insecurity in the country.”

Earlier, the owner of Damaris Hotel and Suites, Dr. Boma Spero-Jack, an Obogoro indigene who is serving as security adviser to Bayelsa State Governor, Senator Douye Diri, urged the students to listen to the various speakers.

The Principal of Government Secondary School, Obogoro, Mrs. Dick Agbeyen, expressed appreciation to the organisers of the sensitisation programme and said it will be beneficial if government would incorporate teachings on drug abuse in the school curriculum.

A student of the school, Awake Dufaye Daniel, said the programme was helpful as he has learned about the effects of drug abuse and misuse on the brain.