The House of Representatives on Thursday directed the Federal Ministry of Education and the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) to immediately suspend the planned Computer-Based Examination (CBE) set for 2026.
The directive followed the adoption of a motion sponsored by Hon. Kelechi Nwogu, emphasizing the urgent need to prevent widespread failure among students, which could lead to severe consequences such as depression and, in extreme cases, loss of lives.
Hon. Nwogu raised concerns over WAEC’s handling of the 2025 higher education qualifying examinations, highlighting technical failures that disrupted results and negatively affected students. He noted that higher education institutions require candidates to have at least five credits, including English and Mathematics, making reliable WAEC results critical for students’ futures.
The House expressed alarm that the 2026 examination, scheduled to begin in March, would adopt the CBE format despite repeated warnings from the National Union of Teachers and school heads, particularly from rural areas that host over 70% of candidates. The House emphasized that successful CBE implementation requires fully equipped halls, functional computers, internet access, and a stable power supply—resources largely unavailable in most schools nationwide.
Noting that approximately 25,500 schools across the country are set to participate in the 2026 exams, the House pointed out that many schools lack computer facilities, trained computer teachers, and prior exposure to digital exams. Unlike the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), WAEC candidates must write at least nine subjects, including practical, objective, and theory components, adding to the logistical challenges.
The House recommended that the policy be deferred to at least the 2029/2030 academic session to allow proper preparation. It warned that rushing the CBE could result in widespread student failure, frustration, and increased social vices, including drug abuse.
The House also urged the Federal Ministry of Education, in collaboration with states, to include in the 2026–2029 budgets provisions for recruiting computer teachers, constructing computer halls with internet facilities, supplying standby generators, and ensuring private schools are adequately prepared before the policy’s rollout.
Finally, the House mandated the joint Committees on Basic Examination Bodies, Digital and Information Technology, Basic Education and Services, and Labour, Employment and Productivity to engage with relevant stakeholders in education and technology sectors and report back within four weeks for further legislative action.
