By Deborah Nnamdi
The House of Representatives on Thursday cautioned that the planned introduction of Computer-Based Testing (CBT) for the 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) could lead to mass failure if implemented without proper preparation.
Lawmakers urged the Federal Ministry of Education and WAEC to suspend the rollout until schools—especially those in rural areas—are adequately equipped with computers, stable electricity, internet access, and trained teachers capable of managing digital examinations.
The resolution followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Rep. Kelechi Wogu during plenary presided over by Speaker Abbas Tajudeen. The motion highlighted concerns about Nigeria’s readiness for a full transition to CBT, despite WAEC’s earlier announcement that the May/June 2026 examination would be computer-based after testing the model on private candidates in 2024.
Wogu warned that WAEC, whose examinations determine students’ eligibility for higher education, may be rushing the transition. He noted that most tertiary institutions require candidates to secure at least five credits, including English Language and Mathematics, making any disruption potentially devastating for thousands of students.
Citing the technical glitches experienced on the 2025 WAEC result portal, Wogu questioned the council’s capacity to deliver a seamless digital examination. He stressed that CBT requires fully equipped digital halls with dependable power and connectivity—resources many Nigerian schools currently lack.
The lawmaker also pointed out that WAEC exams differ significantly from JAMB’s CBT tests, as candidates typically sit for at least nine subjects involving theory, objectives, and practical components. Premature implementation, he argued, could cause widespread failure, frustration, depression, and even social vices among affected students.
Wogu recommended that WAEC allow at least three years of preparation, proposing a full rollout no earlier than the 2029–2030 academic session.
The House unanimously adopted the motion and directed its Committees on Basic Examination Bodies, Digital and Information Technology, Basic Education and Services, and Labour, Employment and Productivity to engage relevant stakeholders. The committees are expected to report back within four weeks for further legislative action.
