Reps Ask FG to Suspend WAEC’s Plan to Introduce CBT for 2026 WASSCE
By Muhammed Akindele
The House of Representatives has asked the federal government to immediately suspend plans by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) to introduce Computer-Based Testing (CBT) for the 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).
Lawmakers warned that enforcing CBT at this stage could lead to mass failure, psychological distress, and other negative consequences for millions of students who lack access to basic digital learning tools.
The resolution followed a motion of urgent public importance moved on Thursday by Kelechi Nwogu (PDP, Abia), who described the planned transition as a “looming educational crisis.”
Mr Nwogu argued that while CBT works effectively for the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), most Nigerian secondary schools lack the infrastructure required for a smooth CBT examination.
He said that millions of students, especially in rural communities, do not have access to functional computers, steady electricity, or stable internet—resources necessary for computer-based exams. He added that many schools also lack qualified computer teachers.
“Most of the over 25,500 secondary schools in Nigeria do not have functional computers. Many students have never used a computer before, yet they are expected to take up to nine subjects, including theory and practicals, through CBT,” he said.
The lawmaker warned that forcing the transition could trigger exam-related stress, frustration, and mental health issues among students, which may contribute to social vices, drug use, and other harmful behavior.
He also cited objections from the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) and secondary school administrators, who argued that most schools are not technologically prepared for such a major shift.
To avoid these risks, Mr Nwogu proposed postponing the CBT rollout until the 2029–2030 academic session, to allow time for adequate training, infrastructure development, and ICT capacity building nationwide.
He urged the federal government to begin providing schools with computers, internet access, standby generators, and qualified ICT instructors starting from the 2026 budget cycle.
Resolutions
After adopting the motion, the House directed WAEC and the Federal Ministry of Education to suspend the CBT plan for the 2026 WASSCE.
It also mandated its Committees on Basic Examination Bodies, Digital and Information Technology, Basic Education and Services, and Labour and Productivity to engage stakeholders in the education and ICT sectors and report back within four weeks.
