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 examinations with immediate effect.
Lawmakers raised concerns over inadequate preparation and the risk of widespread failure, and urged a delay until 2030 to allow for proper planning and infrastructure development.
The House also called on the Ministry, in collaboration with state governments, to allocate funds in the 2026, 2027, 2028, and 2029 budgets for the recruitment of computer teachers, the construction of computer halls with internet facilities, the provision of standby generators, and the assessment of private schools’ readiness before the implementation of the CBT policy in 2030.
The resolution followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance, moved by Kelechi Wogu, titled “Need for Intervention to Avert the Pending Massive Failure of Candidates Intending to Sit the 2026 WAEC Examination Using Computer-Based Testing (CBT), which Could Lead to Depression and Even Deaths Among Students,” during Thursday’s plenary session.
In leading the debate, Wogu pointed out that WAEC is responsible for conducting examinations that qualify students for higher education. He emphasised that many institutions require candidates to have at least five credits, including English and Mathematics, in WAEC to secure admission.
He further recalled that the 2025 WAEC result portal was temporarily shut down due to “technical glitches”, causing significant distress among candidates.
Wogu expressed concern that despite strong opposition from the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) and school heads, particularly in rural areas where over 70 percent of students are based, the Ministry of Education has pressed ahead with its plans to introduce CBT for the 2026 examinations.
“The House is mindful that computer-based examinations require fully equipped halls with functional computers, internet access, and a reliable power supply, either from the national grid or from standby generators,” he said.
He noted that around 25,500 schools across the country are expected to present candidates for the 2026 examinations, which will run concurrently over four months, from March to July. However, he pointed out that most schools, especially those in rural areas, lack functional computers and qualified computer teachers.
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The lawmaker argued that, unlike the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) examinations, WAEC candidates are required to sit for at least nine subjects, including practicals, multiple-choice questions, and theory. This, he argued, makes a rushed transition to CBT unrealistic.
Wogu warned that the premature implementation of the policy could lead to widespread failure, frustration, depression, and an increase in social vices among students. He recommended that at least three years of preparation be made before the policy is rolled out in the 2029–2030 academic session.
The motion was unanimously adopted by the House, which then mandated its Committees on Basic Examination Bodies, Digital and Information Technology, Basic Education and Services, and Labour, Employment and Productivity to engage with relevant stakeholders in the education and technology sectors.
The committees are to report back within four weeks for further legislative action.
