Just In: Reps halt WAEC CBT exams till 2030
By Wellington Jopelo
The House of Representatives has ordered the Federal Ministry of Education and the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) to pause the new Computer-Based Testing (CBT) for the 2026 exams. Lawmakers said schools, especially in rural areas, are not ready, and students need more time to prepare.
The House also asked the Ministry and state governments to include funding in the 2026–2029 budgets for hiring computer teachers, building computer halls with internet, providing backup generators, and checking private schools’ readiness before introducing CBT in 2030. The resolution followed a motion by Rep. Kelechi Wogu about the risk of widespread student failure, stress, and mental health problems if CBT starts too soon.
Rep. Wogu said WAEC exams are important for students to qualify for higher education. He reminded lawmakers that the 2025 WAEC result portal temporarily failed due to technical glitches, which caused distress among students.
He explained that many schools, particularly in rural areas where over 70% of students study, lack computers and trained teachers. The House noted that CBT requires fully equipped halls, stable electricity, and internet access, which most schools do not have.
WAEC exams include nine subjects with practicals, theory, and objective tests, making a rushed switch to CBT risky. The House warned that early implementation could lead to massive failure, frustration, and social problems among students.
The motion was unanimously approved. Committees on Basic Examination Bodies, Digital Technology, Basic Education, and Labour were directed to work with stakeholders and report back in four weeks for further action.