The House of Representatives has issued a directive to the Federal Ministry of Education and the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) to suspend their plans to introduce Computer-Based Testing (CBT) for the 2026 West African Senior School Certificate (WASSCE).
The directive came after the House adopted a motion of urgent public importance presented by Kelechi Wogu during the plenary session on Thursday.
His motion was titled “The Need for Intervention to Prevent Widespread Failure in the Proposed 2026 WAEC Computer-Based Examination.”
Wogu stressed that the move to quickly adopt the CBT format might lead to mass failure, frustration, and psychological stress for students.
The Lawmaker frowned at the resolution of the Ministry of Education, insisting on forging ahead with the digital exam model regardless of complaints from the National Union of Teachers and heads of schools- particularly in the hinterlands, where we have about 70% of candidates sitting for the exam.
He further highlighted some of the constraints for most schools, particularly in rural areas, including functional computer laboratories, access to the internet, steady power supply, and competent ICT teachers.
He emphasized that introducing CBT in such conditions would be a flop, citing the technical glitches that disrupted the 2025 WAEC results portal as confirmation of a lack of preparedness.
“The computer-based system requires well-equipped halls with functional computers, stable internet, and a constant power supply. Many schools are simply not ready for that level of transition,” he said.
To ensure these challenges are properly addressed, the House instructed the Ministry of Education, in collaboration with state governments, to make provision for the recruitment of computer Teachers, construction of ICT halls, installation of internet facilities, and backup power sources in their 2026-2029 budgets.
The house further agreed that the CBT system should not be enforced before the 2030 academic year.
The motion was unanimously adopted, with the House mandating its Committees on Basic Education, Digital and Information Technology, Examination Bodies, and Labor to engage relevant stakeholders and report back within four weeks for further legislative action.
In 2024, the West African Examinations Council announced plans to adopt CBT for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination starting in 2026.
The announcement sparked widespread reactions, among teachers, parents, and education unions over worries that many schools—particularly those in rural areas—do not have the infrastructure or trained staff needed for the transition.
Supporters of the policy, however, maintained that digital exams will promote transparency, increase efficiency, and enhance Nigeria’s global standing in education.
WAEC had earlier outlined the requirements for full CBT adoption in 2026, including 250 working laptops with a 10% backup, a strong server that can support 250 devices at once, and a Local Area Network.
Additional mandatory facilities include functioning air conditioners and lighting, steady electricity, a backup generator of at least 40kVA, CCTV cameras, and a waiting or reception area for candidates.