The House of Representatives has asked the Federal Ministry of Education and WAEC to postpone the introduction of Computer-Based Testing for the 2026 school examinations until 2030.
The lawmakers raised concerns that many schools, especially in rural areas, lack the necessary infrastructure and qualified personnel for a full CBT rollout.
WAEC had planned to conduct the 2026 May/June exams digitally, following a partial trial for private candidates in 2024.
Rep. Kelechi Wogu, who sponsored the motion, said, “The House is cognisant that computer-based examinations require fully equipped halls with functional computers, internet access, and constant electricity — either from the national grid or standby generators.”
He added that premature implementation could cause massive student failure, depression, and other social issues. “Unlike JAMB, WAEC candidates are required to take at least nine subjects — including practicals, objectives, and theory — making a rushed transition to CBT unrealistic,” Wogu said.
The House recommended that the Ministry of Education and state governments budget for computer teachers, ICT infrastructure, and readiness assessments between 2026 and 2029 to ensure a smooth transition in 2030.
The motion was unanimously adopted, directing relevant committees to engage stakeholders in education and technology and report back within four weeks for further legislative action.
WAEC had previously stated that the partial rollout in 2024 made “significant progress” and that full CBT deployment would continue under its “CB-WASSCE: New Way, Same Destination” campaign.
