Reps to Stop Sudden WAEC Subject Cuts: “Don’t Confuse Our Students”

The House of Representatives has ordered the Federal Ministry of Education to immediately suspend its recent curriculum review, which removed major subjects such as Computer Studies, Data Processing, Civic Education, Electrical Installation and Maintenance, and Photography from the WAEC portal.

Lawmakers said the sudden changes have thrown thousands of students preparing for the 2026 WASSCE into confusion and anxiety.

Raising a motion of urgent public importance on Thursday, Hon. Oboku Oforji described the decision as “ill-timed, disruptive, and unfair to students who have spent years preparing for these subjects.”

Oforji argued that removing key subjects like Data Processing and Computer Studies contradicts Nigeria’s digital literacy goals, especially as more examinations adopt computer-based testing. He also criticised the withdrawal of Civic Education, which he said is essential for strengthening citizenship awareness among young people.

He noted that many SS3 students now risk having only five examinable subjects—below WAEC’s required minimum of eight—and are being pushed to pick new subjects they have never been taught, with barely four months to their final examination.

“At a time the world is going digital, you remove Computer Studies. How will students learn the basics? And how do you expect them to suddenly prepare for new subjects they never studied?” he asked.

The lawmaker warned that the decision threatens the academic future of thousands of teenagers and violates Section 18(1) of the 1999 Constitution, which mandates equal and adequate educational opportunities for all Nigerians.

After adopting the motion, the House directed the Ministry of Education to reverse the curriculum changes and allow 2026 WASSCE candidates to write the subjects they have been studying since SS1.

The House also set up an ad hoc committee to monitor compliance, citing the urgency and sensitivity of the matter.