By John Umeh
The House of Representatives has directed the Federal Ministry of Education and the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) to halt the planned rollout of Computer-Based Testing (CBT) for the 2026 Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination (SSSCE), postponing the policy until 2030.
The resolution was adopted during plenary on Thursday, November 14, after lawmakers supported a motion of urgent public importance raised by Kelechi Wogu (PDP, Rivers), titled “Need for intervention to avert the pending massive failure of candidates intending to write the 2026 WAEC using computer-based examinations capable of causing depression and deaths of students.”
The House further instructed the Federal Ministry of Education to work closely with state governments to ensure that the recruitment of computer teachers, construction of ICT-compliant examination halls, installation of reliable internet facilities, and provision of standby generators are captured in state budgets from 2026 through 2029 for every secondary school nationwide.
Private schools were also included in the directive, with lawmakers insisting that no school — public or private — should adopt CBT until all necessary infrastructure is in place by 2030.
While presenting the motion, Wogu noted that WAEC remains the primary qualification exam for entry into tertiary institutions, where students must obtain at least five credits including English and Mathematics. He warned that the premature introduction of CBT could trigger disastrous consequences.
He pointed out that WAEC’s result portal had recently shut down due to what the council described as technical glitches, heightening fears among students and parents about the readiness of the system.
Wogu also highlighted opposition from the National Union of Teachers (NUT), school heads, and other education stakeholders, especially those in rural communities where over 70 percent of Nigerian students reside. Many schools, he said, lack basic computer facilities, trained ICT teachers, or experience with digital examinations.
He explained that WAEC exams differ significantly from JAMB UTME, with candidates taking a minimum of nine subjects that include theory, objectives, and practicals — a structure that requires far more extensive preparation and infrastructure than currently exists.
The lawmaker warned that rushing the CBT policy could lead to mass failure, psychological stress, rising depression, drug abuse, and other social problems among students.
He recommended a minimum three-year preparation period, with full CBT implementation shifted to the 2029–2030 academic session. After deliberation, the House unanimously adopted the proposal.
The House also mandated its Committees on Basic Examination Bodies, Digital and Information Technology, Basic Education and Services, and Labour and Productivity to liaise with key stakeholders and report back within four weeks for further legislative action.
