The House of Representatives has made a big move that could change how millions of Nigerian students take their exams. They are asking to stop the computer-based test for WAEC exams next year. This call comes after lots of complaints from students, parents, and teachers across the country.
Why the House Wants to Stop Computer-Based WAEC
The House of Representatives recently asked the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) to put a hold on its plan to use computer-based tests (CBT) for the 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE). This is a major development that affects every student preparing for this crucial exam.
The lawmakers made this call after looking into serious problems with the current testing system. They are worried that moving fully to computer tests could create more problems than it solves, especially for students in areas without good electricity or internet connection.
The Main Problems with Computer-Based Testing
Several big issues have come up with the CBT system that has lawmakers concerned:
First, many schools in rural areas don’t have enough computers for all their students. Some schools have only ten or twenty computers but need to test hundreds of students. This means exams take much longer to complete because students have to take turns.
Second, poor electricity supply makes CBT difficult. During recent tests, power outages in many states caused computers to shut down suddenly. Students lost their work and had to start over, which caused stress and may have affected their scores.
Third, not all students are comfortable using computers. While city students might use computers regularly, many students from villages have limited computer experience. Asking them to take their most important exam on computers puts them at a disadvantage.
What the House Resolution Actually Says
The House passed a resolution asking WAEC to suspend the CBT plan. The resolution came from the House Committee on Basic Education after they received many complaints about the testing method.
The lawmakers want WAEC to go back to using paper and pencil for the 2026 exams while they work out the problems with computer testing. They have also asked the Minister of Education to work with WAEC to make sure no student suffers because of testing method changes.
Timeline of How We Got Here
WAEC first started talking about moving to computer-based tests in 2022. They began with a pilot program in some selected schools. By 2024, they had expanded the CBT to more schools while still offering the paper test option.
The plan was to move completely to computer testing by 2026. But the problems that showed up during the 2024 and 2025 exams made lawmakers step in. They saw that many students struggled with the computer format, and technical problems were too common.
How Students and Parents Are Reacting
The reaction to this news has been mixed. Many students and parents in rural areas are happy about the possible return to paper tests. They say it’s more fair for everyone, regardless of where they live or how much computer experience they have.
However, some education experts and tech companies are disappointed. They argue that Nigeria needs to move forward with technology and that computer skills are important for today’s world. They believe suspending CBT is a step backward.
Most teachers seem to support the House’s position. They say they’ve seen firsthand how computer problems during exams stress out students. Many teachers also note that they haven’t received enough training to help students prepare for computer-based tests.
What This Means for 2026 WAEC Candidates
If WAEC agrees to suspend the CBT, students preparing for the 2026 exam would go back to the traditional paper format they’re more familiar with. This means:
Students would answer questions on paper answer sheets instead of on a computer. They would use pencils to shade their answers like before. The exam schedule might be different since paper exams don’t have the same technical requirements. Preparation would focus more on subject knowledge than computer skills.
However, it’s important to note that WAEC has not officially agreed to suspend CBT yet. The House has made a strong recommendation, but WAEC will make the final decision after considering all factors.
The Bigger Picture: Nigeria’s Education Technology Struggle
This situation highlights a bigger problem in Nigerian education – the gap between technology plans and reality. While government and exam bodies want to use modern technology, the basic infrastructure needed isn’t ready yet.
Many schools still don’t have reliable electricity, not to mention computers and internet. Even in schools that have computers, there often aren’t enough for all students. Teachers also need more training to help students with computer-based learning and testing.
The House’s action shows that lawmakers recognize these problems. They want to make sure exam changes don’t hurt students’ chances before the necessary preparations are complete.
What Happens Next
The House resolution has been sent to WAEC and the Ministry of Education. Now we wait to see how they respond. Several things could happen:
WAEC might agree to suspend CBT for 2026 and stick with paper tests. They might propose a compromise, like offering both paper and computer options. They could decide to continue with CBT but address the problems lawmakers raised. The decision will likely come in the next few months as planning for the 2026 exams begins.
In the meantime, students should continue preparing for their exams normally. The best approach is to focus on learning the subject material well. Whether the test is on paper or computer, good knowledge of the subjects is what really matters.
People Also Ask
Has WAEC officially cancelled CBT for 2026?
Not yet. The House of Representatives has asked them to suspend it, but WAEC hasn’t made an official announcement. We’re waiting for their final decision.
Will this affect the 2025 WAEC exams?
No, this call is specifically for the 2026 exams. The 2025 exams are already planned and will continue as scheduled.
What should students do now?
Students should keep studying as usual. Focus on understanding your subjects well. Also practice both paper-based and computer-based test formats to be ready for whatever happens.
Can schools still choose paper tests if CBT continues?
In the current system, schools can choose between paper and computer tests. If CBT continues for 2026, this choice might still be available, but we need to wait for official word from WAEC.
How can parents share their opinions?
Parents can contact their representatives in the House or the Ministry of Education. They can also participate in public discussions about education policy through parent-teacher associations.
Looking Forward: The Future of Exams in Nigeria
This situation shows that Nigeria needs a careful, step-by-step approach to education technology. Before moving to computer-based exams nationwide, certain things need to be in place:
All schools need reliable electricity and enough computers. Teachers need proper training in technology and computer-based testing. Students need regular computer practice throughout their school years, not just during exams. Technical support must be available during exams to handle any problems quickly.
The House’s call to suspend CBT for 2026 gives everyone more time to work on these issues. It’s not about stopping progress, but about making sure changes happen in a way that doesn’t harm students’ education.
As we wait for WAEC’s decision, the most important thing is to keep students’ interests at the center of the discussion. Every Nigerian child deserves a fair chance to show what they’ve learned, whether on paper or on a computer screen.