The House of Representatives has directed the Federal Ministry of Education and the West African Examinations Council to immediately suspend the planned start of Computer-Based Testing for the 2026 examination.

The House also urged the Ministry of Education, in partnership with state governments, to ensure that the 2026, 2027, 2028, and 2029 budgets include provisions for the recruitment of computer teachers, the construction of computer halls with internet facilities, the supply of standby generators, and the monitoring of private schools’ readiness before implementing the CBT policy in 2030.

This resolution was adopted following a motion of urgent public importance moved by Rep. Kelechi Wogu at Thursday’s plenary. The motion was titled “Need for Intervention to Avert the Pending Massive Failure of Candidates Intending to Write the 2026 WAEC Examination Using Computer-Based Testing, Capable of Causing Depression and Deaths of Students”.

Leading the debate, Rep. Wogu highlighted that WAEC is responsible for conducting the examinations that qualify students for higher education, stressing that many institutions require candidates to pass with a minimum of five credits, including English and Mathematics, in WAEC for admission.

The lawmaker recalled that the 2025 WAEC result portal was temporarily shut down due to “technical glitches,” which caused distress among many candidates.

Rep. Wogu expressed concern that the Ministry of Education has insisted on introducing CBT for the 2026 examination despite opposition from the Nigeria Union of Teachers and heads of schools, particularly in rural areas, where over 70 per cent of the students are located.

He argued: “The House is cognisant that computer-based examinations require fully equipped halls with functional computers, internet access, and constant electricity—either from the national grid or standby generators.”
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Wogu noted that approximately 25,500 schools nationwide are expected to present candidates for the 2026 examination, which is scheduled to run for four months, from March to July. He pointed out that most schools, particularly those in rural areas, lack functional computers and qualified computer teachers.

The lawmaker further argued that unlike the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, WAEC candidates must take a minimum of nine subjects, which include practicals, objectives, and theory components, making a rushed transition to CBT unrealistic.

He issued a warning that a premature implementation of the policy could lead to widespread failure, frustration, depression, and social vices among students. He recommended a minimum of three years of preparation before the rollout in the 2029–2030 academic session.

The House unanimously adopted the motion and mandated its 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 and technology sectors and report back within four weeks for further legislative action.