The House of Representatives has urged the Federal Ministry of Education and the West African Examinations Council to suspend the planned introduction of Computer-Based Testing for the 2026 school examinations.
The lawmakers’ directive followed concerns that most schools, especially in rural areas, lack the infrastructure and manpower to support a full CBT transition.
WAEC, with the backing of the Federal Government, had earlier announced plans to conduct the 2026 May/June examination using computers, following the partial rollout of the model for private candidates in 2024.
But the House urged the Education Ministry and state governments to make provisions in the 2026, 2027, 2028, and 2029 budgets for the recruitment of computer teachers, construction of computer halls with internet facilities, provision of standby generators, and assessment of private schools’ readiness before fully implementing the CBT policy in 2030.
The lawmaker argued that, unlike JAMB, WAEC candidates are required to take at least nine subjects — including practicals, objectives, and theory — making a rushed transition to CBT unrealistic.
They warned that premature implementation of the policy could result in widespread failure, frustration, depression, and social vices among students.
He therefore recommended a minimum of three years of preparation before rollout in the 2029–2030 academic session.
