House of Representatives has suspended CBT rollout for WAEC 2026 exams.
NewsOnline Nigeria reports that the House of Representatives has called on the Federal Government to suspend the planned introduction of Computer-Based Testing (CBT) for the 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), warning that the policy could lead to widespread failure, emotional distress, and even fatalities among students.
This followed a motion of urgent public importance moved by Hon. Kelechi Nworgu during plenary on Thursday, who described the move as ill-timed and potentially disastrous for Nigeria’s education system.
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Nworgu noted that while CBT has been successfully adopted by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), most secondary schools across the country, particularly in rural areas, are ill-equipped for such a transition.
He pointed out that many schools lack computers, reliable electricity, internet access, and trained teachers—making the proposed digital examination unrealistic at this stage.
“Over 25,500 schools nationwide, especially in rural areas, have no functional computers or qualified computer teachers. Many students have never even used a computer, yet they are expected to write up to nine subjects, including theory and practical exams, through CBT,” he said.
The lawmaker warned that forcing students into an unprepared digital examination system could result in mass failure, frustration, mental health issues, and even suicides among affected candidates.
He urged WAEC and the Federal Ministry of Education to delay the CBT introduction for at least three years and instead target implementation between 2029 and 2030—after adequate infrastructure, training, and sensitization have been achieved.
Following debate, the House resolved that WAEC and the Ministry of Education should immediately suspend the planned CBT rollout.
It also urged the Federal Government to include funds in the 2026 budget for the recruitment of computer science teachers, establishment of computer laboratories with internet connectivity, and provision of standby power in public schools nationwide.
Additionally, the House mandated its Committees on Basic Examination Bodies, Digital and Information Technology, Basic Education and Services, and Labour, Employment and Productivity to liaise with key stakeholders and submit a comprehensive report within four weeks to guide further legislative action.
