Reps ask FG to stop WAEC CBT exams

The House of Representatives has urged the Federal Ministry of Education and the West African Examination Council (WAEC) to suspend the planned computer-based examination policy billed to commence in 2026.

The call was sequel to the adoption of a motion by Kelechi Nwogu (PDP-Rivers) at plenary in Abuja on Thursday, November 13, 2025.

Nwogu Nwogu stated that the 2025 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) result portal was shut down due to technical glitches, with the candidates suffering the consequences.

The lawmaker said: “We are disturbed that in spite the outcry by the National Union of Teachers and heads of schools, both public and private, especially those in rural areas hosting more than 70 per cent of the students, the Federal Ministry of Education has declared that there is no going back.

“Cognisant that computer-based examination requires fully furnished hall with functional computers, internet facility, constant electricity supply, be it from the national grid or standby generators.

“Aware that about 25,500 schools across the country have candidates to write the 2026 examination, expected to be conducted simultaneously for four months starting from March to July.

“Also aware that most schools in the urban areas and talk less of schools in the rural areas do not have functional computers, nor computer teachers, and as a result they have not used computer before.”

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Nwogu said unlike JAMB, no candidate is expected to write less than nine subjects, including practical, objectives, and theory questions.

He stated that it was wrong to start the policy now without adequate preparation, suggesting that the Federal Ministry of Education and WAEC should have at least three years’ projection to commence the policy by 2029/2030 academic session.

The lawmaker added that the 2026 WAEC result of students will be devastating if the CBE policy is allowed to commence as it will lead to massive failure, frustration, and drug abuse, among other social vices.

The House, therefore, urged the Federal Ministry of Education in collaboration with its state counterparts to include the recruitment of computer teachers and all necessary infrastructure in the 2026, 2027, 2028, and 2029 budgets.

The lawmakers also resolved that proper monitoring of adequate provision in private schools must be done before commencement of the policy in 2030.

The House mandated the Committees on Basic Examination Bodies, Digital and Information Technology, Basic Education and Services, and other relevant committees to ensure compliance and report back within four weeks for further legislative action.

The Star