The House of Representatives has asked the Federal Government to immediately stop the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) from implementing its plan to introduce Computer-Based Testing (CBT) for the 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), citing fears of mass failure and severe psychological impact on students.
The resolution was passed during Thursday’s plenary after the lawmakers unanimously adopted a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Hon. Kelechi Nworgu.
‘CBT Works for JAMB, But WAEC Schools Are Not Ready’ — Nworgu
Presenting the motion, Nworgu acknowledged that computer-based testing has proven effective for the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) but argued that Nigeria’s secondary education system lacks the infrastructure, manpower, and readiness to replicate such a system for WAEC.
“Over 25,500 schools across Nigeria, especially those in rural areas, lack functional computers or qualified ICT teachers,” the lawmaker said.
“Many students have never operated a computer before, yet they’re expected to sit for up to nine subjects — including theory and practicals — through CBT. This is unrealistic and unfair.”
Nworgu warned that forcing millions of students, particularly those in rural communities, into a digital examination format without adequate preparation would amount to setting them up for failure.
He listed challenges such as unstable electricity supply, poor internet connectivity, and inadequate ICT facilities, adding that teachers and principals across the country had already expressed strong opposition to the policy.
‘The Consequences Could Be Disastrous’
The lawmaker cautioned that rushing to implement the CBT model could trigger a chain of negative outcomes, including mass failure, frustration, drug abuse, and psychological breakdowns among students.
“We must not sacrifice the future of our children on the altar of modernization without preparation,” he warned.
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To prevent what he described as an “avoidable academic disaster,” Nworgu proposed that WAEC postpone the CBT rollout for at least three years — setting a more feasible target between 2029 and 2030. He said this would give the government and schools enough time to build digital infrastructure and train teachers and students.
House Orders Immediate Suspension of WAEC’s CBT Plan
After deliberations, the House directed WAEC and the Federal Ministry of Education to suspend the planned CBT implementation immediately.
Lawmakers further urged the Federal Government to include in the 2026 budget special provisions for:
* The recruitment of qualified computer science teachers,
* The construction of computer laboratories with internet access, and
* The installation of standby power generators in secondary schools nationwide.
Committees to Engage Stakeholders, Submit Report in Four Weeks
The House also mandated its Committees on Basic Examination Bodies, Digital and Information Technology, Basic Education and Services, and Labour, Employment and Productivity to liaise with relevant stakeholders in the education and technology sectors.
The committees are expected to submit a comprehensive report within four weeks to guide further legislative action.
‘Innovation Should Not Come at the Expense of Students’
While lawmakers acknowledged the importance of digital innovation in Nigeria’s education sector, they emphasized that modernization must not jeopardize students’ learning outcomes or emotional stability.
“We support technological advancement, but it must be gradual, inclusive, and equitable,” the House resolved.
