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The House of Representatives has ordered the Federal Ministry of Education and the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) to immediately suspend the planned introduction of Computer-Based Testing (CBT) for the 2026 school examinations.
The federal lawmakers warned that the policy could lead to massive failure, depression, and even deaths among students.
The lawmakers’ decision followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Rep. Kelechi Wogu during Thursday’s plenary, 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.”
WAEC, with the backing of the Nigerian government, had earlier announced plans to conduct the 2026 May/June Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) using computers, after a partial rollout for private candidates in 2024.
But lawmakers have now described the move as “ill-timed and unrealistic”, citing Nigeria’s poor digital infrastructure and lack of computer literacy among millions of students, especially those in rural areas.
Rep. Wogu, who moved the motion, said most secondary schools across the country are “grossly unprepared” for such a transition. He warned that rushing into full CBT implementation could trigger chaos, frustration, and psychological trauma among candidates.
“Computer-based examinations require fully equipped halls with functional computers, internet access, and constant electricity — either from the national grid or standby generators,” he said.
“The House is worried that most schools, especially in rural communities where over 70 per cent of candidates reside, lack the basic facilities and trained personnel for such an exercise.”
Wogu recalled that the 2025 WAEC result portal recently crashed due to “technical glitches”, leaving many students and parents stranded — a situation he said highlights the risk of introducing an entirely digital exam system without adequate preparation.
He argued that WAEC examinations are more complex than JAMB’s Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), as candidates take at least nine subjects — including theory, objective, and practical components — making a rushed CBT switch impractical.
Following an extensive debate, the House directed the Federal Ministry of Education, state governments, and relevant agencies to make provisions in the 2026, 2027, 2028, and 2029 budgets for the recruitment of qualified computer teachers, construction of computer halls with reliable internet connectivity, installation of standby generators, and a nationwide assessment of schools’ readiness before the policy is fully implemented in 2030.
Lawmakers also warned WAEC to consult widely with education stakeholders and the Nigeria Union of Teachers before taking any action that could “jeopardise the academic future” of millions of Nigerian students.
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