The House of Representatives has directed the Federal Ministry of Education and the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) to suspend the planned introduction of Computer-Based Testing (CBT) for the 2026 senior school certificate examinations with immediate effect.
The House further urged the ministry, in collaboration with state governments, to include in the 2026–2029 budgets clear provisions for the recruitment of computer teachers, construction of ICT-compliant examination halls, installation of internet facilities, procurement of standby generators, and monitoring of private schools’ readiness before implementing the CBT policy in 2030.
The resolution followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Rep. Kelechi Wogu at Thursday’s plenary. The motion was titled “Need for Intervention to Avert the Pending Massive Failure of Candidates Intending to Write the 2026 WAEC Examination Using Computer-Based Testing (CBT), Capable of Causing Depression and Deaths of Students.”
Leading the debate, Rep. Wogu cautioned that rushing the transition to computer-based exams without adequate preparation would have devastating consequences for students, especially those in rural areas.
He recalled that the 2025 WAEC result portal was temporarily shut down due to technical glitches, an incident that left many candidates anxious and distressed.
Wogu noted that despite strong opposition from the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) and heads of schools, particularly in rural communities where over 70 percent of students reside, the Ministry of Education had insisted on implementing the CBT system in 2026.
“The House is cognisant that computer-based examinations require fully equipped halls with functional computers, internet access, and constant electricity—either from the national grid or standby generators,” he said.
He pointed out that about 25,500 schools nationwide are expected to present candidates for the 2026 WAEC examination, which will run concurrently for four months, from March to July. However, most of these schools—especially in remote areas—lack the required infrastructure and qualified ICT instructors.
The lawmaker also argued that, unlike JAMB examinations which focus on four subjects, WAEC candidates sit for at least nine subjects, including theory, objective, and practical components. This, he said, makes an immediate shift to CBT impractical and potentially disastrous.
Wogu warned that premature implementation of the policy could lead to widespread failure, frustration, depression, and even mental health crises among students. He therefore recommended a minimum three-year preparation window before any nationwide rollout, proposing 2029–2030 as a more realistic timeline.
Following deliberations, the House unanimously adopted the motion and mandated its Committees on Basic Examination Bodies; Digital and Information Technology; Basic Education and Services; and Labour, Employment and Productivity to engage with key stakeholders in the education and technology sectors.
The committees are expected to report back to the House within four weeks with actionable recommendations for legislative and policy follow-up.