By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The House of Representatives has ordered the Federal Ministry of Education and the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) to immediately suspend the planned introduction of Computer-Based Testing (CBT) for the 2026 school examinations.

The federal lawmakers warned that the policy could lead to massive failure, depression, and even deaths among students.

The lawmakers’ decision followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance sponsored by Rep. Kelechi Wogu during Thursday’s plenary, titled “Need for Intervention to Avert the Pending Massive Failure of Candidates Intending to Write the 2026 WAEC Examination Using Computer-Based Testing (CBT), Capable of Causing Depression and Deaths of Students.”

WAEC, with the backing of the Nigerian government, had earlier announced plans to conduct the 2026 May/June Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) using computers, after a partial rollout for private candidates in 2024.

But lawmakers have now described the move as “ill-timed and unrealistic”, citing Nigeria’s poor digital infrastructure and lack of computer literacy among millions of students, especially those in rural areas.

Rep. Wogu, who moved the motion, said most secondary schools across the country are “grossly unprepared” for such a transition. He warned that rushing into full CBT implementation could trigger chaos, frustration, and psychological trauma among candidates.

“Computer-based examinations require fully equipped halls with functional computers, internet access, and constant electricity — either from the national grid or standby generators,” he said.

“The House is worried that most schools, especially in rural communities where over 70 per cent of candidates reside, lack the basic facilities and trained personnel for such an exercise.”

Wogu recalled that the 2025 WAEC result portal recently crashed due to “technical glitches”, leaving many students and parents stranded — a situation he said highlights the risk of introducing an entirely digital exam system without adequate preparation.

He argued that WAEC examinations are more complex than JAMB’s Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), as candidates take at least nine subjects — including theory, objective, and practical components — making a rushed CBT switch impractical.

Following an extensive debate, the House directed the Federal Ministry of Education, state governments, and relevant agencies to make provisions in the 2026, 2027, 2028, and 2029 budgets for the recruitment of qualified computer teachers, construction of computer halls with reliable internet connectivity, installation of standby generators, and a nationwide assessment of schools’ readiness before the policy is fully implemented in 2030.

Lawmakers also warned WAEC to consult widely with education stakeholders and the Nigeria Union of Teachers before taking any action that could “jeopardise the academic future” of millions of Nigerian students.

By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

Troops of the Joint Task Force (JTF), North East Operation Hadin Kai, have rescued 74 members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) from a possible abduction by Boko Haram/ISWAP terrorists along the Buratai–Kamuya road in Borno State.

According to a statement issued by the Media Information Officer of the Joint Task Force, Operation Hadin Kai, Sani Uba, on Thursday, the corps members, comprising 36 males and 38 females, were rescued at about 9:05 p.m. on Tuesday after their vehicles broke down near a known kidnapping hotspot.

“A military patrol team was swiftly deployed to the scene after a closed-circuit television (CCTV) system monitored by troops detected suspicious movement involving three buses at the location.”

“On arrival, troops discovered 74 NYSC members stranded after their vehicles developed mechanical faults. The troops immediately rescued them to prevent a likely abduction attempt by Boko Haram or ISWAP elements operating in the area,” the report stated.

“The rescued NYSC members are currently being accommodated at the Buratai military base pending further arrangements for their safe movement.”

The statement commended the vigilance and rapid response of the troops, noting that their timely intervention prevented what could have been a tragic incident.

By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) has announced the suspension of the 15 per cent ad-valorem import duty on imported Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and Automotive Gas Oil (AGO), also known as petrol and diesel.

A statement by George Ene-Ita, Director of the Public Affairs Department, stated this on Thursday.

Recall that the introduction of the 15% import duty had generated mixed reactions in the downstream industry.

The president’s approval of the duty was contained in a letter with reference no: PRES8197/HAGF/100/71/FIRS/40/88-2/NMDPRA/2, dated 21 October.

The letter was addressed to the Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).

The letter, titled ‘Re: introduction of a market-responsive import tariff framework on Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) & Diesel,’ was signed by Damilotun Aderemi, the Private Secretary to the President.
The president’s approval followed a request by FIRS Chairman, Zacch Adedeji for the government to apply the tariff to align import costs with domestic realities.

Adedeji said the duty, applied to the Cost, Insurance, and Freight (CIF) value, is expected to increase petrol prices by approximately N99.72 per litre.

However the Authority assured the public that there is adequate supply of petroleum products across the country, maintaining volumes within the acceptable national sufficiency threshold during this peak demand period.

“The Authority wishes to use this opportunity to advise against any hoarding, panic buying or non-market reflective escalation of prices of petroleum products.

“It should also be noted that the implementation of the 15% ad-valorem import duty on imported Premium Motor Spirit and Diesel is no longer in view,” the statement said.