The House of Representatives has asked the Federal Ministry of Education and the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) to suspend plans to introduce computer-based testing (CBT) for school candidates until 2030.
The lawmakers said most schools, particularly in rural areas, lack the infrastructure and staff needed to support a full shift to CBT. WAEC had earlier announced plans to conduct the 2026 May/June exams using computers, after a partial rollout for private candidates in 2024.
The House resolution followed a motion sponsored by Rep. Kelechi Wogu, titled “Need for Intervention to Avert the Pending Massive Failure of Candidates Intending to Write the 2026 WAEC Examination Using Computer-Based Testing (CBT), Capable of Causing Depression and Deaths of Students.”
Wogu warned that pushing ahead with CBT could lead to widespread failure and distress among students. He recalled that WAEC’s result portal suffered “technical glitches” in 2025, which left many candidates anxious.
He said the Ministry of Education’s insistence on introducing CBT in 2026 ignores the opposition of the Nigeria Union of Teachers and heads of schools, particularly in rural areas where more than 70 percent of students are based.
According to him, computer-based exams require reliable electricity, internet access, and well-equipped computer halls—resources many schools do not have. About 25,500 schools are expected to participate in the 2026 exam, which runs from March to July, yet most lack functional computers and qualified ICT teachers.
Wogu added that WAEC’s exam structure differs from the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), as students must sit for at least nine subjects, including theory and practical components, making a rapid switch to CBT impractical.
He urged the government to use the next four years to prepare by hiring computer teachers, building ICT facilities, and assessing schools’ readiness. The House agreed, recommending that full implementation be delayed until the 2029–2030 academic session.
The motion was unanimously adopted, with relevant House committees directed to meet stakeholders in the education and technology sectors and report back within four weeks.
Meanwhile, WAEC has continued its preparations for full CBT rollout under the campaign slogan “CB-WASSCE: New Way, Same Destination,” saying the 2024 pilot program achieved “significant progress” ahead of the planned 2026 implementation.
