The House of Representatives has called on the Federal Government to stop the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) from introducing Computer-Based Testing (CBT) for the 2026 WASSCE, warning that the move could lead to mass academic failures, psychological stress, and even fatalities among students.
The call came after Hon. Kelechi Nworgu presented a motion of urgent public importance on Thursday, urging swift action to avert what he termed a looming educational crisis.
Nworgu noted that although CBT has been successfully used by JAMB, the current conditions of most Nigerian secondary schools make the transition to CBT for WAEC exams in 2026 premature.
He stressed that the Federal Ministry of Education’s plan to conduct the 2026 WASSCE via CBT, despite objections from the Nigeria Union of Teachers, NUT, and school principals, would place millions of students at a significant disadvantage, particularly those in rural communities who lack computers, stable electricity, and internet connectivity.
“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,” he said.
Nworgu warned that the initiative is being rushed without sufficient groundwork and cautioned that its fallout could be severe, potentially resulting in mass failure, frustration, drug abuse, and other social ills among young people.
He recommended that WAEC and the Ministry of Education postpone the CBT rollout for at least three years, suggesting a more feasible implementation period around the 2029–2030 academic session, after necessary infrastructure and training have been established.
In response, the House directed WAEC and the Ministry of Education to immediately suspend the planned CBT initiative.
It urged the government to allocate funds from the 2026 budget for hiring computer teachers, constructing computer labs with internet access, and installing standby generators in schools nationwide.
The House also tasked its Committees on Basic Examination Bodies, Digital and Information Technology, Basic Education and Services, and Labour, Employment and Productivity to engage stakeholders in the education and technology sectors and submit a report within four weeks to guide further legislative measures.
