Reps Halt WAEC’s 2026 CBT Plan, Propose Shift to 2030

By: Ojay Matthew

The House of Representatives has directed the Federal Ministry of Education and the West African Examination Council (WAEC) to suspend the planned introduction of Computer-Based Testing (CBT) for the 2026 Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination. Lawmakers said the decision was necessary to prevent widespread failure and ensure schools are adequately prepared.

The House also urged the Ministry to work closely with state governments to make provisions in their 2026–2029 budgets for the recruitment of computer teachers, the construction of ICT-equipped halls with internet facilities, and the supply of standby generators for all secondary schools. It further insisted that private schools must meet the required ICT standards before the full rollout of CBT in 2030.

These resolutions followed a motion of urgent public importance raised by Kelechi Wogu (PDP, Rivers), who warned that forcing students into a CBT-based WAEC examination without proper infrastructure could lead to massive failure, psychological stress, and even extreme outcomes. He recalled that the 2025 WAEC results portal was shut down due to technical glitches, leaving many candidates stranded.

Wogu expressed concern that the Ministry was insisting on conducting the 2026 examination via CBT despite strong opposition from teachers, school heads, and stakeholders—especially those in rural communities where over 70 percent of students are located. He noted that many of the 25,500 schools expected to participate lack computers, computer teachers, reliable electricity, or internet access, making simultaneous CBT exams across nine or more subjects unrealistic.

The lawmaker recommended a minimum three-year transition period, proposing that the CBT policy take effect in the 2029–2030 academic year. After deliberation, the House unanimously adopted the motion and directed its relevant committees to engage stakeholders in the education and technology sectors and submit a report within four weeks for further legislative action.