In a major decision that has sparked wide debate across the education sector, the House of Representatives has ordered the immediate suspension of plans by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and the Federal Ministry of Education to introduce Computer-Based Testing (CBT) for the 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).

The directive followed a unanimously adopted motion warning that Nigeria’s secondary schools — especially those in rural areas — are not technologically equipped to handle a nationwide digital examination of this scale. Lawmakers cautioned that proceeding with the 2026 CBT plan could trigger massive student failure, psychological distress, and deepen the educational divide between urban and rural schools.

Why Lawmakers Raised the Alarm

1. Severe Infrastructure Deficit

During the plenary, representatives stressed that thousands of public secondary schools across Nigeria lack even the basic requirements for a computer-based examination. These include:

• Functional computer laboratories
• Reliable internet connectivity
• Consistent electricity supply
• Modern examination-ready ICT facilities

Some schools reportedly operate with less than 10 computers for hundreds of students, making a major CBT rollout unrealistic within a two-year timeframe.

2. Shortage of Skilled ICT Teachers

Lawmakers noted that many schools do not have teachers properly trained to guide students through digital examinations. In some cases, computer studies teachers serve multiple schools or lack modern digital training themselves.

3. Complexity of WASSCE Subjects

Unlike single-subject entrance exams, WASSCE involves:

• 9 or more subjects
• Theory papers
• Essay components
• Practical examinations
• Objective questions

This complexity means transitioning WASSCE into a fully digital format requires years of rigorous preparation, pilot testing, and nationwide standardization — not a rushed implementation.

4. Risk of Nationwide Poor Performance

The House expressed concern that rushing into CBT without readiness could lead to:

• Massive nationwide failure
• Student frustration and depression
• Drop in graduation rates
• Increased examination malpractice due to panic
• Disruption in school transition timelines

Lawmakers emphasised that students who barely have access to computers would be unfairly disadvantaged.

The Resolution: Suspend CBT for 2026 — Plan a Gradual Rollout

The House directed the Ministry of Education and WAEC to pause all preparations for the 2026 CBT rollout and instead begin a phased implementation plan that may stretch into the 2029–2030 exam cycle.

Key Directives Issued

• Immediate suspension of CBT for the 2026 WASSCE
• Allocation of funds from the 2026–2029 budgets to improve school ICT infrastructure
• Construction of computer halls in public schools
• Recruitment and training of more ICT teachers
• Provision of standby power supply for rural schools
• Examination of private school readiness
• Engagement of critical stakeholders including teachers’ unions, principals, ICT bodies, and student associations

A multi-committee task force of the House was mandated to submit a full report within four weeks.

Implications for Students, Schools, and WAEC

Students

• Immediate relief: They will not be forced into an exam format they have not practiced.
• Opportunity: Extra time to become digitally literate.
• Warning: Nigeria is undeniably moving toward digital exams — readiness will soon become mandatory.

Secondary Schools

Schools must begin preparing early by:

• Expanding computer labs
• Training staff
• Introducing mock CBT sessions
• Ensuring steady power and internet
• Partnering with NGOs and tech providers

Schools that ignore this transition risk leaving their students behind.

WAEC and the Ministry of Education

This decision puts pressure on WAEC and the Ministry to:

• Develop a realistic national digital examination roadmap
• Conduct phased pilots before full adoption
• Provide transparent readiness reports
• Ensure no student is disadvantaged by geography or socioeconomic background

What a Proper Rollout Should Look Like (2026–2030)

Phase 1: 2026–2027 — Preparation

• Upgrade ICT infrastructure in public and rural schools
• Train teachers and ICT coordinators
• Begin optional mock CBT sessions

Phase 2: 2027–2028 — Pilot Deployment

• Select a mix of rural and urban schools for controlled CBT pilots
• Test examination software, offline modes, and security measures
• Collect national feedback

Phase 3: 2028–2029 — Hybrid Model

• Combine paper-based and computer-based formats
• Gradually move objective papers to CBT
• Maintain essay and practical papers on traditional mode

Phase 4: 2029–2030 — Full Rollout

• Nationwide implementation once ALL schools meet minimum digital standards
• Provide backup power and emergency offline systems
• Strengthen cybersecurity and exam integrity protocols

National Readiness Snapshot

Why This Decision Matters for Nigeria’s Education Future

Nigeria’s move toward digital examinations is inevitable, but lawmakers insist that equity must come before innovation. Implementing CBT without readiness could deepen inequality, penalize rural students, and damage public confidence in the examination system.

However, handled wisely, CBT can bring major benefits:

• Faster result processing
• Stronger security against malpractice
• Improved digital literacy
• Increased global competitiveness
• Streamlined examination management

The House’s suspension is therefore a strategic pause — not a rejection of modernization.