The House of Representatives has ordered the immediate suspension of the planned introduction of Computer-Based Testing (CBT) for the 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) by the Federal Ministry of Education and the West African Examinations Council (WAEC).
Following a motion of urgent public importance, the House mandated that the CBT system should not be implemented before the 2030 academic year, due to concerns over the lack of digital infrastructure in the country.
The suspension addresses concerns that rushing the digital transition would lead to academic failure and social distress among students.
The primary objection is the disparity in digital readiness. Lawmaker Kelechi Wogu warned that over 70 per cent of candidates reside in rural areas where schools lack fundamental requirements, including functional computer laboratories, reliable internet access, constant electricity, and trained ICT teachers.
The computer-based system requires well-equipped halls with functional computers, stable internet, and constant power supply. Many schools are simply not ready for that level of transition – Kelechi Wogu
Unlike the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) exams, WASSCE candidates take at least nine subjects, including practicals, objectives, and theory, which lawmakers argued makes the transition more complex and risky.
Concerns were heightened by the technical glitches that disrupted the 2025 WAEC results portal, which critics cited as proof of the system’s fragility.
The House directed the Ministry of Education and state governments to budget for infrastructure development (ICT halls, internet, generators) and the recruitment of computer teachers from 2026 to 2029. The House unanimously adopted the motion, warning that premature implementation could cause massive failure, frustration, and mental distress among candidates. They argue that preparedness must precede modernization.
Meanwhile, WAEC and the Ministry of Education have consistently pushed for the CBT adoption, stating it is necessary to modernize the education system, improve transparency, and combat examination malpractice. The council had earlier released mandatory requirements for schools to prepare for the 2026 deadline.
The House mandated its relevant committees, including those on Basic Education, Digital and Information Technology, and Examination Bodies, to engage stakeholders and report back within four weeks. This report will guide legislative action to ensure the long-term infrastructure and human resource development necessary for a successful digital examination system by the 2030 deadline.
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