The House of Representatives has asked the Federal Ministry of Education to immediately suspend the newly introduced curriculum changes that led to the removal of major subjects from the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) portal.
The removed subjects include Computer Studies, Data Processing, Electrical Installation and Maintenance, Photography, and Civic Education — all widely offered and required in schools across the country.
Moving a motion of urgent public importance, Hon. Oboku Oforji described the policy as abrupt, poorly timed, and harmful to students preparing for the 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).
He warned that withdrawing foundational subjects just months before the exam could jeopardise the academic plans and mental stability of thousands of candidates.
Oforji argued that removing subjects like Data Processing and Computer Studies contradicted Nigeria’s push for digital literacy at a time when global education is powered by technology.
He also noted that Civic Education — a compulsory subject designed to promote citizenship and national values — should not have been scrapped.
According to him, SS3 students who have studied these subjects since SS1 are now left in confusion and distress.
The lawmaker further expressed concern that many students now have only five examinable subjects, far below WAEC’s minimum of eight.
With barely four months to the exam, he said it was unrealistic and academically risky to force candidates to choose and prepare for unfamiliar subjects they have never been taught.
Adopting the motion, the House directed the Ministry of Education to reverse the policy for the sake of the affected students and allow them to sit for the subjects they have been preparing for.
It also set up an ad hoc committee to monitor compliance, citing the urgency and the potential long-term impact on students’ educational prospects.