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Reps suspend WAEC’s 2026 CBT exams, warn of mass failure if rushed.
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Schools lack ICT facilities, internet, power, and trained teachers for digital exams.
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CBT rollout deferred to 2030, with directive to begin funding ICT upgrade from 2026–2029.
The House of Representatives has directed the Federal Ministry of Education and the West African Examinations Council ( WAEC) to suspend the planned introduction of Computer-Based Testing for the 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination.
The resolution followed the adoption of a motion of urgent national importance moved by Kelechi Wogu during Thursday’s plenary.
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Wogu, in his motion titled “Need for Intervention to Avert Massive Failure in the Proposed 2026 WAEC Computer-Based Examination,” warned that rushing the transition could expose candidates to failure, frustration and psychological stress.
He said the Ministry of Education was insisting on the digital model despite strong objections from the Nigerian Union of Teachers and school administrators, especially those in rural areas where over 70 per cent of candidates reside.
The lawmaker noted that most schools lack computer laboratories, internet connectivity, constant electricity, and trained ICT personnel required for a successful CBT rollout.
He argued that the move was premature, recalling the technical glitches that paralysed the 2025 WAEC results portal as evidence that the system was not yet ready.
“The computer-based system requires fully equipped halls, stable internet and uninterrupted power supply. Many schools are simply not ready for that level of transition,” he said.
Following the concerns, the House directed the Ministry of Education and state governments to include in their 2026–2029 budgets provisions for ICT halls, internet facilities, backup power sources, and the recruitment of computer teachers.
READ ALSO: House of Reps Orders Suspension of 2026 WAEC Computer-Based Exams
The lawmakers further resolved that WAEC’s CBT programme must not commence before the 2030 academic year.
The motion was unanimously adopted, with relevant committees mandated to engage stakeholders and report back within four weeks.
WAEC first announced in 2024 that it would fully adopt CBT for WASSCE from 2026, triggering debates over infrastructure, capacity and readiness. While supporters of the reform say digital exams will curb malpractice and enhance efficiency, critics insist that the majority of schools lack the facilities to support the transition.
In September, WAEC listed critical requirements for schools, including 250 functional computers with backups, a powerful server, reliable electricity, CCTV coverage and air-conditioned exam halls—facilities many schools are yet to secure.
