The House of Representatives has called on 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).
Lawmakers warned that the move could lead to mass failure, psychological distress, and even fatalities among students if implemented prematurely.
The resolution followed a motion of urgent public importance raised by Hon. Kelechi Nworgu on Thursday, who described the plan as a looming crisis in the education sector.
Lawmakers warned that the move could lead to mass failure, psychological distress, and even fatalities among students if implemented prematurely.
The resolution followed a motion of urgent public importance raised by Hon. Kelechi Nworgu on Thursday, who described the plan as a looming crisis in the education sector.
Nworgu noted that although the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) successfully conducts CBT exams, most secondary schools across Nigeria lack the facilities, infrastructure, and digital readiness to support such an examination format.
He queried the Federal Ministry of Education’s plan to conduct the 2026 WASSCE using CBT, despite objections from the Nigeria Union of Teachers, NUT, and school principals.
He also argued that the decision would place millions of students at a significant disadvantage, particularly those in rural communities who lack computers, stable electricity, and internet connectivity.
“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.
Nworgu cautioned that WAEC’s planned rollout of Computer-Based Testing (CBT) was being rushed without adequate preparation, warning that it could lead to mass failure, frustration, drug abuse, and other social problems among students.
He advised that the initiative be postponed for at least three years, proposing a more realistic implementation timeline around the 2029–2030 academic session, after proper infrastructure, training, and capacity development have been put in place.
Following his motion, the House of Representatives directed WAEC and the Federal Ministry of Education to immediately suspend the planned CBT transition.
Lawmakers further urged the Federal Government to allocate funds in the 2026 budget for recruiting computer science teachers, constructing computer laboratories with internet access, and providing standby power supply in schools nationwide.