The Senate on Tuesday intervened in a brewing crisis in Nigeria’s education sector, summoning the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, and the Head of WAEC, Dr. Amos Dangut, over new examination guidelines that lawmakers warn could jeopardize hundreds of thousands of secondary school students.
The controversy centers on WAEC’s revised rules for the 2025/2026 Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (SSCE), which significantly alter subject requirements for students currently in Senior Secondary School 3 (SS3). Senators cautioned that the abrupt policy shift, just months before the examinations, could trigger widespread failure and undermine confidence in the country’s education system.
Senator Sunday Karimi (Kogi-West) criticized WAEC for implementing the new curriculum immediately, despite earlier indications that the changes were meant for students now in SS1, who would sit the SSCE in 2027/2028.
Karimi highlighted that crucial subjects, including Computer Studies, Civic Education, and previously approved trade subjects, have been removed from the 2026 SSCE syllabus. He warned that this decision effectively nullifies years of preparation by students and schools nationwide.
The removal of these subjects, he explained, leaves students in science, humanities, and business tracks with a maximum of six subjects—well below WAEC’s minimum requirement of eight. Students would therefore be forced to register for two to three entirely new subjects, for which they have received no prior instruction, just months before the exams.
While acknowledging the value of newly introduced trade subjects such as Beauty and Cosmetology, Fashion Design, Livestock Farming, Computer Hardware and GSM Repairs, Solar Photovoltaic Installation, and Horticulture, senators argued that examining students on these courses without proper preparation would lower academic standards.
“This is how mass failure begins,” Karimi warned. “Reform, no matter how well-intentioned, must be phased and humane.”
Senators across party lines supported the motion, stressing that although curriculum reform is necessary, its timing should not penalize current SS3 students. They urged WAEC and the Ministry of Education to exempt 2025/2026 candidates and implement the changes only for the 2027/2028 cohort.
Former NLC President Senator Adams Oshiomhole criticized the government’s tendency to rush policy implementation. “Do we have enough teachers? Are laboratories prepared? The evidence doesn’t exist. We shouldn’t plan in a way that embarrasses the nation,” he said.
Former Lagos State Deputy Governor, Senator Idiat Adebule, called for a thorough review, noting that changes of this magnitude are traditionally vetted by the National Council of Education, which includes commissioners from all 36 states.
Senator Adeola Olamilekan, Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriations, emphasized that examinations must reflect prior learning. “Students must have adequate tutoring before WAEC can examine them,” he said, adding that the Minister of Education had critical questions to address.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio questioned the rationale for removing Computer Studies and Civic Education amid Nigeria’s push for digital literacy and civic responsibility. “Everything is going digital. Why remove computer studies? Civic education teaches our children their national anthem and obligations to the nation,” he said.
The Senate subsequently referred the matter to the Committee on Basic and Secondary Education, mandating a thorough investigation of WAEC’s new guidelines with a report due within two weeks, raising hopes among parents, teachers, and students that a looming educational crisis may yet be averted.
Senate Suspends WAEC Curriculum Change Over Concerns for 2026 Candidates
