Reps seek suspension of WAEC CBT exams rollouts until 2030

The House of Representatives has called on the Federal Ministry of Education and the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) to suspend the planned introduction of Computer-Based Testing (CBT) for the 2026 school examinations, citing inadequate infrastructure and manpower across many schools, especially in rural areas.

WAEC had earlier announced plans to transition the May/June 2026 examinations to a fully computer-based format, following its partial implementation for private candidates in 2024, with the Federal Government’s approval.

However, lawmakers warned that the move could disadvantage thousands of students in under-resourced schools. They urged the Education Ministry and state governments to allocate funds in the 2026–2029 budgets for the recruitment of computer teachers, construction of ICT halls with internet facilities, installation of standby generators, and assessment of private schools’ readiness before a full rollout in 2030.

The resolution followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Rep. Kelechi Wogu, titled “Need for Intervention to Avert the Pending Massive Failure of Candidates Intending to Write the 2026 WAEC Examination Using Computer-Based Testing (CBT), Capable of Causing Depression and Deaths of Students,” during Thursday’s plenary, according to Vanguard.

Leading the debate, Wogu emphasized that WAEC conducts the key examination required for entry into higher institutions, noting that most universities demand at least five credits, including English Language and Mathematics, for admission.

He recalled the temporary shutdown of the 2025 WAEC result portal due to “technical glitches,” which caused widespread anxiety among candidates.

Wogu expressed concern that despite strong opposition from the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) and heads of schools—especially in rural communities where over 70 percent of students are located—the Education Ministry remains determined to implement CBT in 2026.

“Computer-based examinations require fully equipped halls with functional computers, reliable internet access, and uninterrupted power supply, either from the national grid or standby generators,” he said.

The lawmaker noted that about 25,500 schools nationwide are expected to present candidates for the 2026 examination, which will span four months (March to July), yet many of these schools lack basic ICT infrastructure and qualified computer instructors.

He further argued that, unlike JAMB’s multiple-choice format, WAEC exams involve nine subjects, including practicals, objective, and theory papers, making an immediate transition to CBT impractical.

Wogu cautioned that forcing an unprepared system to adopt CBT could lead to massive failure, frustration, and psychological distress among students.

The House therefore recommended that WAEC and the Education Ministry allow at least three years of preparation, setting 2029–2030 as a more realistic timeline for full CBT implementation.