Fatimah Otunsanya
The House of Representatives has urged the Federal Ministry of Education and the West African Examinations Council to suspend the planned introduction of Computer-Based Testing for the 2026 school examinations.
The lawmakers’ directive followed concerns that most schools, especially in rural areas, lack the infrastructure and manpower to support a full CBT transition.
WAEC, with the backing of the Federal Government, had earlier announced plans to conduct the 2026 May/June examination using computers, following the partial rollout of the model for private candidates in 2024.
But the House urged the Education Ministry and state governments to make provisions in the 2026, 2027, 2028, and 2029 budgets for the recruitment of computer teachers, construction of computer halls with internet facilities, provision of standby generators, and assessment of private schools’ readiness before fully implementing the CBT policy in 2030.
The resolution followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Rep. Kelechi Wogu, 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,” at Thursday’s plenary, as reported by Vanguard.
Leading the debate, Rep. Wogu noted that WAEC is responsible for conducting examinations that qualify students for higher education, adding that most tertiary institutions require at least five credits, including English Language and Mathematics, for admission.
He recalled that the 2025 WAEC result portal was temporarily shut down due to “technical glitches,” which left many candidates distressed.
Rep. Wogu expressed concern that despite opposition from the Nigeria Union of Teachers and heads of schools, especially in rural areas where over 70 per cent of students are located, the Ministry of Education has insisted on introducing CBT for the 2026 examination.
“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 further noted that about 25,500 schools nationwide are expected to present candidates for the 2026 examination, which will run concurrently for four months, from March to July.
However, he said most schools, particularly in rural areas, lack functional computers and qualified computer teachers.
The lawmaker argued that, unlike JAMB, WAEC candidates are required to take at least nine subjects, including practicals, objectives, and theory, making a rushed transition to CBT unrealistic.
He warned that premature implementation of the policy could result in widespread failure, frustration, depression, and social vices among students.
He therefore recommended a minimum of three years of preparation before rollout in the 2029–2030 academic session.
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 interface with relevant stakeholders in the education and technology sectors and report back within four weeks for further legislative action.