House Orders Suspension of WAEC Computer-Based Exams Until 2030

The House of Representatives has formally called on the Federal Ministry of Education and the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) to halt the planned introduction of the computer-based examination system for the 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE). Citing numerous technical challenges and inadequate preparation across the education sector, the lawmakers voiced concern that an untimely rollout could precipitate widespread examination failures, student distress, and adverse social consequences.

During a recent plenary session, Representative Kelechi Nwogu presented a motion of urgent national importance highlighting the technical failures that plagued the 2025 WAEC results portal, which was temporarily shut down due to glitches. The House argued that these operational flaws reveal the unpreparedness for a full-scale shift to computer-based testing (CBT). The motion emphasized the risk that hasty implementation could lead to massive student frustration and increased incidences of depression and other harmful effects.

The House resolution directed the Ministry of Education to suspend the CBT plan and instead integrate the associated costs and preparatory activities into the education budgets for 2026 through 2029. The lawmakers proposed a phased, monitored rollout starting no earlier than 2030, after ensuring that schools—including those in underserved and rural areas—have adequate infrastructure and trained personnel, including computer teachers.

ADVERTISEMENT

Separately, the House condemned persistent poor sanitary conditions in parts of Abuja and raised alarms about security vulnerabilities caused by dysfunctional streetlights in the capital and surrounding areas. It constituted an ad-hoc committee tasked with investigating waste management challenges and the streetlight situation in Abuja, with directives to submit recommendations for legislative and executive action within four weeks.

These combined actions underscore the House’s commitment to safeguarding educational standards and urban security while ensuring any technological advancement, such as the CBT, is implemented effectively and equitably across Nigeria.