The House of Representatives has called on the Federal Ministry of Education and the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) to suspend plans to introduce Computer-Based Testing (CBT) for the 2026 school examinations.
Lawmakers raised concerns that most secondary schools, particularly in rural areas, lack the necessary infrastructure, electricity supply, and trained personnel to support a full transition to computer-based exams.
WAEC had earlier announced its intention to conduct the 2026 May/June examinations using computers, after a partial rollout for private candidates in 2024. However, the House urged a gradual implementation, recommending that the policy be deferred until at least 2030.
The resolution followed a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Rep. Kelechi Wogu, 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.”
Leading the debate, Wogu warned that a hasty rollout could lead to widespread failure and distress among students. He noted that most schools lack functional computer labs, internet access, and qualified computer teachers, especially in rural areas where over 70 percent of candidates are based.
He recalled that WAEC’s 2025 result portal temporarily crashed due to technical issues, causing anxiety among candidates, and cautioned that similar disruptions could occur if the examination is digitised without adequate preparation.
“Computer-based examinations require fully equipped halls, stable internet, and constant electricity—either from the grid or standby generators,” Wogu said, adding that about 25,500 schools are expected to participate in the 2026 exams.
The lawmaker also noted that, unlike JAMB, WAEC candidates take up to nine subjects, including practicals and theory papers, making a swift switch to CBT logistically challenging.
The House recommended that federal and state governments make provisions in their 2026–2029 budgets for computer infrastructure, recruitment of ICT teachers, and assessment of schools’ readiness ahead of a phased rollout in 2030.
The motion was unanimously adopted, with the House directing its Committees on Basic Examination Bodies, Digital and Information Technology, Basic Education and Services, and Labour to engage relevant stakeholders and report back within four weeks.
Meanwhile, WAEC has continued preparations for the transition, with officials conducting sensitisation campaigns under the theme “CB-WASSCE: New Way, Same Destination,” maintaining that the 2024 pilot phase recorded significant progress.
