If you are a student, parent, or guardian preparing for the 2026 WASSCE, recent news from the House of Representatives may feel like a shock. For months, the plan to transition the 2026 WAEC exam to fully Computer-Based Testing (CBT) had generated excitement, anxiety, and countless discussions across schools nationwide. But now, that plan has been officially suspended until 2030.
This decision is more than a policy announcement. It is a recognition of the realities facing Nigerian education, especially in rural and underfunded schools. It also serves as a warning for students, parents, and schools to prepare strategically for a gradual digital transition, rather than expecting a sudden shift in 2026.
Understanding what this suspension means, why it was implemented, and how it will affect students is crucial for planning your education journey.
Why the House of Representatives Halted the 2026 CBT Rollout
The motion to halt WAEC’s 2026 CBT plan was raised on the floor of the House of Representatives as a matter of urgent public importance. Lawmakers cited multiple concerns about readiness, infrastructure, and fairness. According to the House, rolling out a fully computer-based WASSCE in 2026 would be unrealistic because many schools—especially rural and public institutions—lack the basics required for a smooth transition.
Critical issues highlighted include:
- Reliable electricity: Without consistent power, computers cannot function for hours of examination. Many schools in rural areas still rely on generators or inconsistent PHCN supply.
- Functional computer laboratories: Over half of Nigerian schools lack sufficient computers for students to take exams efficiently. Crowding students into limited workstations could increase stress and examination errors.
- Broadband internet: CBT exams require stable internet connections, both for updates and real-time monitoring. Many schools are not connected or have intermittent service.
- Trained technical staff: ICT teachers and support staff are essential for troubleshooting during exams. Their absence in several schools could cause delays or invalid results.
- Funding for ICT upgrades: Many state governments struggle to fund basic operations, making large-scale digital implementation unfeasible without additional investment.
The House concluded that forcing CBT on millions of unprepared students would likely result in widespread failures, increased malpractice, and psychological stress.
The Real Risks of Rushing CBT Implementation
While CBT is generally seen as the future of examinations, an ill-timed rollout comes with significant consequences. Lawmakers warned that:
- Massive failure rates could occur if students unfamiliar with computers are forced to write exams digitally.
- Vulnerability to malpractice may increase, as technical glitches and lack of supervision could create loopholes.
- Student anxiety and stress will rise, particularly for first-time users or students from rural areas.
- Digital inequality will widen, as students from private or urban schools already have access to computers, while rural candidates remain disadvantaged.
This is why the House has mandated that no fully CBT system should be used for WAEC until infrastructure gaps are addressed nationwide.
Why This Suspension Is a Necessary Warning, Not a Failure
Many might see this as a delay or a missed opportunity for modernization. However, the decision is better understood as a cautionary measure for students’ welfare and exam integrity. The suspension underscores a critical truth: Nigeria is not yet fully digitally ready for a mass CBT rollout.
Some key realities support this decision:
- Over 60% of Schools Lack ICT Infrastructure
Most rural and public schools do not have enough computers for large-scale CBT. Many lack basic power stability, and trained ICT teachers are scarce. Implementing CBT under these conditions would unfairly disadvantage the majority of students. - Cost of ICT Upgrades Is Prohibitively High
Upgrading schools nationwide requires billions of naira. Many state governments already struggle to pay salaries or maintain basic facilities. Asking them to fund computer labs and technical support on short notice is unrealistic. - Digital Divide Between Students Is Too Wide
Students in urban areas have easier access to computers and the internet. Rural students, on the other hand, would face immense stress and inequality if forced to participate in CBT without proper preparation. - Infrastructure Must Be Addressed First
Before exams can go fully digital, the fundamentals must be fixed. This includes stable electricity, reliable internet, affordable access to computers, and school digitalization plans that ensure equal opportunity for all candidates.
The decision to push the 2026 rollout to 2030 is not a step backward—it is a step toward fairness, equality, and better preparation for all students.
What This Means for Students and Parents
For students preparing for the 2026 WASSCE, the suspension provides time to adapt without the pressure of a rushed CBT system. Here’s what it means practically:
- You will still take 2026 exams using paper-based methods, which remain secure and standardised.
- Schools will have more time to train students in computer-based methods, ensuring readiness when CBT is fully implemented.
- Parents and guardians can focus on supporting education infrastructure, such as ICT clubs, computer literacy programs, and access to practice platforms for their children.
- Schools can gradually improve their ICT capacity, avoiding sudden stress or massive investment at the last minute.
This period until 2030 is effectively a preparation window for students, teachers, and governments alike.
How Students Can Use This Time Wisely
Even with the suspension, computer literacy remains essential. Here’s how students can benefit:
- Practice CBT-style tests at home or online to build familiarity.
- Develop basic computer skills, including typing speed, navigation, and exam software interaction.
- Engage in school ICT programs if available, ensuring comfort with digital interfaces.
- Seek out credible online platforms that provide CBT simulations and past WASSCE questions.
These steps not only prepare students for eventual CBT but also strengthen general digital skills—an advantage in higher education and the modern workforce.
Why Policymakers Made the Right Call
While some may view the delay as an obstacle to modernization, it is crucial to recognize the broader context. Policymakers considered both fairness and practicality.
- Equity first: Ensuring all students, regardless of location or school type, compete on an even footing is a priority.
- Avoiding unnecessary stress: First-time CBT users, especially in underfunded schools, are prone to anxiety and mistakes under rushed conditions.
- Reducing systemic failure: Implementing CBT without adequate infrastructure would create technical glitches, data loss, and logistical nightmares.
The suspension highlights the need for a gradual, well-planned, and fully funded approach rather than rushed policy implementation.
The Road to 2030: What Must Happen
For the 2030 CBT rollout to succeed, several areas must be addressed:
- Electricity: Nationwide stable power supply must be ensured.
- ICT Infrastructure: Every participating school should have functional computer labs, sufficient devices, and internet access.
- Teacher Training: ICT educators and technical support staff must be well-trained to assist during exams.
- Funding: State and federal budgets should allocate resources for sustainable infrastructure upgrades.
- Digital Inclusion: Plans should ensure that students from rural or disadvantaged schools are not left behind.
The next five years are critical for education reform, technology adoption, and leveling the playing field for millions of Nigerian students.
A Wake-Up Call for Nigeria’s Education System
The decision by the House of Representatives is a reminder that modernization must be strategic. Forcing CBT prematurely would have widened the digital gap between rich and poor students, increased stress, and caused unnecessary failures.
The focus now must be on building capacity, ensuring equal access, and preparing students for a digital learning environment. With careful planning, Nigeria can implement CBT successfully in 2030, giving students a fair and modern examination system.
Students and parents should view this suspension not as a setback, but as a chance to prepare smarter, learn digital skills, and approach future exams with confidence.
