The House of Representatives has directed the Federal Ministry of Education and the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) to suspend the planned rollout of Computer-Based Testing (CBT) for the 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) until at least 2030.
Lawmakers expressed concern that most schools, especially in rural communities, lack the infrastructure, manpower, and power supply needed to support a full CBT transition.
WAEC had earlier announced plans to begin computer-based exams for school candidates in 2026 after a partial test run for private candidates in 2024.
However, following a motion sponsored by Rep. Kelechi Wogu, the House urged the Ministry of Education and state governments to use the 2026–2029 budgets to prepare schools; including recruiting computer teachers, building ICT-equipped halls, providing internet access and standby generators, and assessing schools’ readiness.
Wogu warned that pushing ahead with the CBT exams could lead to “massive failure, depression, and even deaths” among students who are unprepared for the sudden change. He cited previous technical issues during the 2025 WAEC results release as evidence that the system still faces serious challenges.
He also noted that unlike JAMB, WAEC candidates take up to nine subjects; including theory and practicals; making a computer-only format unrealistic for now.
The motion was unanimously adopted, with the House mandating its education and technology committees to meet with key stakeholders and report back within four weeks.
