Rep Kelechi Calls for Suspension of WAEC CBT Plans for 2026. By Saheed Badmus
Rep Kelechi Calls for Suspension of WAEC CBT Plans for 2026.
Nigerian House of Representatives has urged the Federal Government to suspend plans by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) to introduce Computer-Based Testing (CBT) for the 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), warning that the move could result in widespread failure, depression, and even deaths among students.
The resolution followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance moved by Hon. Kelechi Nworgu on Thursday, who called on the House to intervene to prevent what he described as a looming educational crisis.
Nworgu noted that while CBT has been successfully adopted by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), the conditions under which most secondary schools operate across Nigeria make the transition premature for WAEC examinations in 2026.
He emphasized that the Federal Ministry of Education’s plan to conduct the 2026 examination via CBT, despite protests from the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) and school heads, would unfairly disadvantage millions of students, particularly those in rural areas who lack access to computers, electricity, and internet facilities.
“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,” Nworgu said.
He warned that the proposed policy was being rushed without adequate preparation, cautioning that it could lead to mass failure, frustration, drug abuse, and other social vices among young people.
The lawmaker proposed deferring implementation for at least three years, suggesting that the transition to computer-based examinations should begin around the 2029–2030 academic year, after proper infrastructure and capacity have been established.
Following the motion, the House directed WAEC and the Federal Ministry of Education to suspend the planned CBT introduction immediately.
It also urged the government to provide for the recruitment of computer teachers, construction of computer halls with internet access, and provision of standby generators in schools nationwide, starting from the 2026 budget.
Additionally, the House mandated its Committees on Basic Examination Bodies, Digital and Information Technology, Basic Education and Services, and Labour, Employment and Productivity to engage relevant stakeholders in the education and technology sectors and report back within four weeks for further legislative action.
