Reps halt WAEC 2026 CBT plan, say schools not ready till 2030

The House of Representatives has asked the Federal Ministry of Education and the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) to suspend plans to introduce Computer-Based Testing (CBT) for school candidates until 2030.

Lawmakers said the 2026 target announced by WAEC was unrealistic, given the acute shortage of infrastructure and trained personnel in most public schools, especially in rural communities.

The resolution followed a motion of urgent public importance by Rep. Kelechi Wogu (PDP, Rivers), adopted at Thursday’s plenary.

Wogu, in his motion titled “Need for Intervention to Avert the Pending Massive Failure of Candidates Intending to Write the 2026 WAEC Examination Using CBT, Capable of Causing Depression and Deaths of Students,” warned that a premature rollout could lead to mass failure, frustration, and even psychological distress among students.

He recalled that WAEC’s 2025 online result-checking portal crashed temporarily due to “technical glitches,” leaving thousands of candidates stranded — a development he said exposed the system’s fragility.

“The House is aware that most schools lack functional computers, reliable internet connectivity, and constant power supply needed for CBT,” Wogu said, noting that over 70 per cent of WAEC candidates are from rural areas.

He added that about 25,500 schools nationwide are expected to present candidates for the 2026 examination, which typically spans four months and covers at least nine subjects — including theory, objectives, and practicals.

“Unlike JAMB, WAEC exams are more extensive and would require massive digital infrastructure and teacher retraining,” he said.

The House urged the Ministry of Education and state governments to make budgetary provisions between 2026 and 2029 for the recruitment of computer teachers, construction of ICT halls, internet connectivity, and standby power supply ahead of a phased rollout in 2030.

It also mandated its Committees on Basic Examination Bodies, Digital and Information Technology, Basic Education and Services, and Labour, Employment and Productivity to liaise with relevant stakeholders and report back within four weeks.

ASUU warns Tinubu govt over delay in agreement renegotiation

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has expressed deep concern over the delay by President Bola Tinubu’s administration in concluding the ongoing renegotiation of its agreement with the union, warning that the government’s inaction could have “grievous consequences” for Nigeria’s education sector.

In a statement issued after its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting held at Taraba State University from November 8 to 9, 2025, and signed by its president, Chris Piwuna, ASUU accused government officials of showing “a lack of commitment and sincerity” in the renegotiation process.

The union recalled that following its emergency session on October 21, 2025, it suspended a warning strike in good faith, despite what it described as “grossly insufficient offers” from the government.

According to the statement, ASUU had expected the government to utilise the one-month window after the suspension of the strike to conclude the talks meaningfully.

“ASUU NEC regretted that government functionaries are undermining the negotiation process through subtle misrepresentation of its offers and implementation of agreements. The part payment of promotion arrears dating as far back as 2017 and the release of third-party deductions, which form part of members’ unpaid benefits for years, are at best confidence-boosting gestures and must not be framed as substantive issues of the negotiation process,” the statement read.

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The union criticised the government’s approach, saying it appeared more concerned with “winning the narrative” than addressing the root problems confronting public universities.

ASUU urged the Tinubu administration to use the remaining days of the one-month negotiation window “judiciously” to achieve a holistic resolution of all pending issues, particularly those affecting the living and working conditions of lecturers.

The union also faulted what it described as the government’s commercial attitude towards education, insisting that education should be treated as a public good vital to national development.

“Education, as the bedrock of any society, deserves special attention—more so in Nigeria, given the deficit in our educational infrastructure. That the lot of academics and education has remained unchanged in recent years remains a wonder,” ASUU stated.

The union dismissed government claims of economic constraints, noting that both federal and state revenues had grown significantly. Citing FAAC data, ASUU said state revenues rose from ₦3.92 trillion in 2022 to ₦5.81 trillion in 2024, while federal revenues increased from ₦3.42 trillion to ₦4.65 trillion in the same period.

“It is the political will—or lack of it—and not economic factors that have been undermining the resolution of this renegotiation process,” the union maintained.

ASUU called on traditional rulers, labour unions, students, and civil society organisations to prevail on the government to “do the right thing” and ensure that Nigerian academics receive a living wage.

ASUU warns Tinubu govt over delay in agreement renegotiation

Hit-and-run driver kills LAUTECH student, varsity declares two-week break

The Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Iseyin campus, has been thrown into mourning following the tragic death of a 200-level student of the Department of Agricultural Economics, who was killed by a hit-and-run driver in Iseyin town.

The incident, which occurred on Friday evening, sparked a protest by students who took to the streets to express their anger over the rising cases of reckless driving and insecurity around the campus.

In response to the unrest and the emotional impact of the tragedy, the university management announced an immediate two-week suspension of academic activities at the Iseyin campus.

The institution’s Registrar, Mrs. Olayinka Balogun, confirmed the development in a statement issued on Saturday, expressing deep sorrow over the loss.

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“The Management of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso, deeply regrets to announce the tragic passing of a 200-level student of the Department of Agricultural Economics, who was fatally wounded by a hit-and-run driver in Iseyin,” the statement read.

“This heartbreaking incident has cast a shadow over our university community, and we extend our deepest condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of the deceased.

“In light of this grievous loss, and in recognition of the emotional toll it has taken on our students and staff, the University Management has approved a two-week suspension of academic activities at the Iseyin campus, effective immediately.”

Mrs. Balogun added that students in the College of Agricultural Sciences and Renewable Natural Resources are to proceed on break, while academic activities will resume on Monday, November 24, 2025.

She further noted that officers on essential duties would be duly informed on when to report for work.

“We urge all students to remain safe, support one another, and honour the memory of their departed colleague,” the statement concluded.

The identity of the deceased student has not yet been officially disclosed, as the police continue investigations into the hit-and-run incident.

Hit-and-run driver kills LAUTECH student, varsity declares two-week break