Reps Want WAEC to Delay Computer Exams Until 2030

The House of Representatives has called on the Federal Ministry of Education and the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) to halt plans to introduce full Computer-Based Testing (CBT) for school candidates until 2030.

The lawmakers made the resolution during Thursday’s plenary after adopting a motion sponsored by Rep. Kelechi Wogu, who warned that rushing the policy could lead to mass failure, frustration, and possible mental health crises among students.

WAEC had earlier announced plans to switch to computer testing for the 2026 May/June exams after a partial rollout for private candidates in 2024. However, lawmakers argued that most schools, especially in rural communities, lack basic facilities like computers, reliable electricity, and internet access needed to support such a system.

Rep. Wogu noted that more than 25,000 schools across Nigeria will present candidates for the 2026 examination, many of which still struggle with poor infrastructure and inadequate manpower. He added that conducting computer-based exams for subjects involving theory and practicals would be far more complex than multiple-choice tests like those conducted by JAMB.

The House urged the Education Ministry and state governments to use the next few years to build computer halls, recruit ICT teachers, and provide standby power and internet access before fully transitioning to CBT in 2030.

It also directed its Committees on Education, Digital Technology, and Labour to work with WAEC and other stakeholders and report back within four weeks.

WAEC had recently intensified preparations for full computer-based exams under the slogan “CB-WASSCE: New Way, Same Destination,” but lawmakers now want the rollout delayed to give schools enough time to adapt.