The Senate on Tuesday summoned the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, and WAEC’s Head of National Office, Dr. Amos Dangut, to explain the sudden shake-up in the subject structure for the 2025/2026 Senior Secondary Certificate Examination.
The invitation followed a motion by Senator Sunday Karimi (APC, Kogi West), who warned that the abrupt changes could throw thousands of SS3 students into confusion just months before their May/June 2026 exams.
Under the revised structure, some core subjects have reportedly been altered, while new ones were introduced—leaving many schools unprepared and students unsure of what they would eventually face in the exam hall.
Karimi said the development could trigger mass failure next year, as some students may be forced to sit for subjects they never registered for or even received proper teaching in.
Other senators backed the concern, noting that while it is normal to review curriculum or exam frameworks, doing so without adequate preparation puts students at a disadvantage.
They urged the Federal Government to exempt the 2025/2026 candidates and delay implementation until at least the 2027/2028 session—giving teachers, schools, and WAEC room to adjust.
Senator Adams Oshiomhole (APC, Edo North) criticised the rushed rollout.
“We wake up, think of an idea, and start implementing it immediately. Do we have the teachers? Are the labs ready? There’s no evidence,” he said.
Senator Idiat Adebule (APC, Lagos West)—a former school administrator—said decisions of this magnitude normally go through the National Council on Education, which includes all state commissioners. She called for a full investigation into how the changes were approved.
Senator Adeola Olamilekan (APC, Ogun West) added that no student should be tested on subjects they were not taught. “The Minister of Education has some questions to answer,” he said.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio wondered why WAEC removed Computer Studies and Civic Education.
“Everything is digital now. Why take out Computer Studies? Why remove Civic Education when children must understand their civic duties and even their national anthem?” he asked.
The Senate referred the matter to its Committee on Basic and Secondary Education, with a two-week deadline to report back.
Tuesday’s move comes just five days after the House of Representatives also faulted WAEC for removing Civic Education, Computer Studies, Electrical Installation and other subjects from its exam portal.
The House, acting on a motion by Hon. Oboku Oforji (Bayelsa), urged the Ministry of Education to reverse the decision, noting that eliminating such foundational subjects undermines digital literacy and national development.
The controversy has stirred widespread anxiety among parents, students, and school administrators, who say they are unsure what to expect and need urgent clarity from the Ministry of Education and WAEC.
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