Reps ask FG, WAEC to immediately suspend CBT for 2026 WASSCE

The House of Representatives on Thursday directed Federal Ministry of Education and the West African Examination Council (WAEC) to, with immediate effect, suspend the proposed Computer-Based Examination (CBE), scheduled to take effect in 2026.

The resolution was passed in sequel to the adoption of a motion on the urgent need for intervention to avert the impending massive failure of Candidates intending to write the 2026 WAEC using a computer-based examination, capable of causing depression and death of students, sponsored by Hon. Kelechi Nwogu.

In his last debate, Hon. Wogu expressed concern over the Council’s failure to conduct hitch-free higher education entry qualifying examinations for students of Senior Secondary Schools in 2025.

While acknowledging that higher education institutions have made it mandatory for any candidate seeking admission to have at least five Credits, including English and Mathematics, in the WAEC, he expressed grave concern over the impacts of the Council’s negligence on the affected Students.

“The House further notes that the 2025 West African Senior School Certificate Examination result portal was shut down due to what they called technical glitches, with the candidates suffering the consequences.

“The House is disturbed that the Federal Ministry of Education planned to conduct the 2026 West African Senior Secondary School Examination, scheduled to commence in March, using the Computer-Based Examination (CBE).

“The House is also disturbed that despite the outcry by the National Union of Teachers and heads of schools, both public and private, especially those in rural areas hosting over 70% of the students, the Federal Ministry of Education has declared that ‘There is no going back’.

“The House is cognizant that computer-based examination requires a fully furnished Hall with functional computers, internet facility, constant electricity supply, be it from the national grid or standby generators.

“The House is aware that about 25,500 Schools across the country have candidates to write the 2026 examination, expected to be conducted in all the schools at the same time for four months starting from March to July.

“The House is also aware that most schools in the urban areas and in the rural areas do not have functional computers, nor computer teachers, and as a result, they have not used computer before.

“The House is further aware that, unlike JAMB, no candidate is expected to write less than Nine Subjects, including Practical, Objectives, and theory.

“The House is worried that it is wrong to start the policy now without adequate preparation, suggesting that the Federal Ministry of Education and the Examination body should have at least three years’ projection to commence the policy by 2029/2030 Academic year.

“The House is concerned that the outcome of the WAEC results of students who are considered to be leaders of tomorrow using CBE will be devastating if allowed to commence, leading to massive failure, frustration, drug abuse, and other social vices.”

The House also urged Federal Ministry of Education in collaboration with the State to include in the 2026 budget, 2027, 2028 and 2029 the recruitment of computer teachers, construction of computer hall with internet facilities and supply of standby generators and also monitor adequate provision in Private Schools before commencement of the policy in 2030. 

To this end, the House mandated the joint Committees on Basic Examination Bodies, Digital and Information Technology, Basic Education and Services and Labour, Employment and Productivity to interface with relevant stakeholders in the education, Information and Technology sectors, and report back within four weeks for further legislative action.

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