Reps Suspend WAEC CBT Exams, Warn Of Student “Disaster” Until 2030

The House of Representatives has urged the Federal Ministry of Education and the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) to immediately suspend the implementation of the Computer-Based Test (CBT) policy for the 2026 Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination (SSSCE). According to Ireporter Online, the lawmakers stressed the need for adequate preparations before the policy is rolled out nationwide.

In addition, the House called on the Ministry of Education to collaborate with states to include provisions in the 2026 to 2029 budgets for recruiting computer teachers, constructing computer-equipped examination halls with internet access, and providing standby generators for all secondary schools. The legislature also emphasized that private schools should have the necessary infrastructure in place before the policy’s full adoption in 2030.

The directive came during the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Kelechi Wogu (PDP, Rivers), highlighting the risk of massive student failures and the potential for psychological harm if the CBT is implemented prematurely. Wogu warned that the policy could result in widespread academic underperformance, depression, and even health issues among students.

The lawmaker criticized the Federal Ministry of Education for proceeding with the 2026 SSSCE under the CBT system despite protests from the National Union of Teachers (NUT) and school administrators, particularly in rural areas that account for over 70 percent of the student population. He noted that many schools lack functional computers, trained staff, and reliable power supply, making the policy unfeasible at this stage.

Wogu further explained that computer-based examinations require fully equipped halls with functional computers, internet access, and consistent electricity. He added that approximately 25,500 schools nationwide are expected to participate in the 2026 SSSCE, which spans four months from March to July. The lawmaker emphasized that many of these institutions have never conducted computer-based testing, raising concerns about student performance and equity.

He urged that the policy be postponed to at least the 2029-2030 academic session to allow for proper planning and infrastructure development. The House unanimously adopted the motion, instructing relevant committees on education, digital technology, and labor to engage with stakeholders and report back within four weeks for further legislative action.