The House of Representatives has directed the Federal Government to suspend the planned introduction of Computer-Based Testing (CBT) for the 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), warning that the move could lead to widespread academic failure and psychological distress among students.
The resolution followed a motion of urgent public importance raised by Hon. Kelechi Nworgu on Thursday, who described the planned policy as “an impending educational crisis.”
Nworgu noted that while CBT has been successfully implemented by JAMB, the same cannot be said for WAEC due to infrastructural and logistical deficiencies in most Nigerian secondary schools.
“Most of the over 25,500 schools across the country, especially in rural areas, do not have functional computers or qualified computer teachers. Many students have never used a computer before, yet they are being compelled to take up to nine subjects, including theory and practical exams, through CBT,” he said.
He warned that rushing the initiative without adequate preparation could lead to mass failure, frustration, drug abuse, and other social vices among young people.
The lawmaker proposed that WAEC and the Ministry of Education postpone the digital transition until at least 2029 or 2030, allowing time for proper infrastructure, training, and sensitisation.
Adopting the motion, the House directed WAEC and the Ministry of Education to immediately halt the CBT plan and urged the government to make provisions in the 2026 budget for: The recruitment of computer teachers, Construction of ICT laboratories with internet access, and Provision of standby power supply in schools nationwide.
Additionally, the House mandated its Committees on Basic Examination Bodies, Digital and Information Technology, Basic Education and Services, and Labour, Employment and Productivity to liaise with stakeholders in the education and technology sectors and submit a report within four weeks to guide future legislative actions.
