The House of Representatives has directed 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 Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination (SSSCE).
The directive followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Kelechi Wogu (PDP, Rivers), who warned that forcing students into CBT exams without adequate preparation could trigger mass failure, depression, and other social crises.
Lawmakers also urged the Ministry of Education to collaborate with state governments to include, in their 2026–2029 budgets, the recruitment of qualified computer teachers, construction of ICT-equipped halls, provision of internet connectivity, and installation of standby power supply across all public secondary schools.
They further insisted that private schools must meet all required ICT standards before the CBT policy officially takes effect in 2030.
Wogu, while leading the debate, noted that WAEC remains a crucial gateway for admission into tertiary institutions, as students are required to obtain at least five Credits—including English and Mathematics. He expressed concern over WAEC’s recent technical glitches that temporarily shut down the 2024 results portal, stressing that such issues exposed the fragility of the current system.
The lawmaker revealed that over 25,500 schools nationwide—many lacking computers, ICT infrastructure, or trained instructors—are expected to present candidates for the 2026 examination. He argued that unlike JAMB, WAEC candidates sit for no fewer than nine subjects, making the sudden shift to CBT unrealistic.
“It is wrong to start this policy now without adequate preparation,” he said, recommending a minimum three-year transition plan and a full rollout in the 2029 or 2030 academic year.
Wogu added that implementing CBT prematurely could lead to widespread failure and fuel frustration, drug abuse, and other social vices among young people.
The House mandated its Committees on Basic Examination Bodies, Digital and Information Technology, Basic Education and Services, and Labour to engage all relevant stakeholders and report back within four weeks for further legislative action.
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