November 11, 2025
By Ayinde Adeleke
The House of Representatives has called on the Federal Government to suspend the implementation of the Computer-Based Testing (CBT) system recently introduced by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) until at least 2030.
The resolution followed the adoption of a motion moved during plenary on Thursday, where lawmakers expressed concerns that the immediate implementation of the CBT model could disenfranchise millions of students, particularly those in rural areas with poor access to computers and the internet.
While commending WAEC’s efforts to modernize its examination process, members of the House argued that the infrastructure and digital literacy gap across many parts of the country makes the initiative premature.
The lawmakers stressed that most secondary schools, especially in rural and semi-urban communities, lack functional computer laboratories, stable electricity, and reliable internet connectivity, which are prerequisites for the smooth conduct of CBT examinations.
They urged WAEC to suspend the transition to computer-based testing and continue with the traditional paper-based examination format until such time as the country achieves adequate digital readiness.
The House also mandated its Committees on Basic Education and Examination Bodies to interface with WAEC and the Federal Ministry of Education to develop a realistic timeline and implementation strategy that ensures fairness and inclusivity in future digital assessments.
Lawmakers further advised the Federal Government to invest more in ICT infrastructure and teacher training across secondary schools to prepare students for a gradual and sustainable transition to computer-based examinations.
