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WAEC CBT Exam Must Not Hold Yet–National Assembly

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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.

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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.

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Public Enlightenment Movement Spotlights Northern Nigeria’s Infrastructure and Healthcare Gains Under Tinubu

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The National Coordinator of the Public Enlightenment Movement, Nuhu Abdullahi Balarabe, has unveiled Phase 7 of the organisation’s project update, highlighting major infrastructure and healthcare achievements recorded across Northern Nigeria under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.

Addressing members of the press, Nuhu said the initiative remains committed to providing verified information on government projects and developmental progress across the northern states.

He explained that the Public Enlightenment Movement was established to promote transparency, public awareness and citizen engagement by documenting and disseminating updates on strategic national projects.
According to him, the latest phase focuses on critical infrastructure interventions aimed at boosting regional connectivity and economic growth.

Among the projects highlighted is the ongoing reconstruction of the Ajingi–Jahun–Kafin Hausa Road linking parts of Kano State and Jigawa State, which is expected to ease transportation of agricultural produce and improve trade activities across the corridor.

He also noted progress on the dualisation of the Minna–Bida Road in Niger State, describing it as a strategic route expected to reduce travel time and improve road safety for commuters.

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Nuhu Abdullahi further highlighted the accelerated completion of the Kaduna Western Bypass in Kaduna State, noting that the project is designed to improve movement for residents and travellers connecting to the Abuja corridor.

In the same vein, he said the rehabilitation of the previously neglected Shiroro Road in Niger State has significantly shortened travel distances and revitalised economic activities in surrounding communities.

On healthcare, the National Coordinator described the establishment of a world-class cancer centre at Federal Teaching Hospital Katsina as a landmark achievement in the health sector.

According to him, the facility is among the country’s top oncology centres, equipped with modern medical infrastructure aimed at making quality cancer treatment accessible and affordable for Nigerians.

He also cited progress on the Sokoto–Badagry Superhighway, noting that the highway project is advancing steadily across six states with the integration of smart infrastructure such as streetlights and CCTV surveillance to enhance security and traffic management.

Nuhu stated that the projects outlined in the Phase 7 briefing reflect broader national efforts to improve infrastructure, healthcare delivery and economic resilience.

He reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to sustaining public awareness on government interventions and national development initiatives.

“The projects detailed in this briefing are a testament to the wider national transformation currently underway.

While this phase focuses on northern Nigeria, it reflects a broader commitment to building a resilient, interconnected and healthier nation,” he said.

He thanked members of the media and citizens for their continued support of the Public Enlightenment Movement and called for sustained public engagement in national development.

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BREAKING: INEC Restores Mark-led ADC Leadership on Website After S’Court Ruling

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has updated its website, listing David Mark as the national chairman of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) and Rauf Aregbesola as national secretary following the judgement of the supreme court.

The development, spotted on Thursday evening, reverses INEC’s earlier decision in early April to remove the Mark-led executive from its portal, citing the ruling of an appeal court on the leadership crisis in the ADC.

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The Mark-led faction of the ADC and Nafiu Bala, a former national vice-chairman of the party, have been laying claim to its leadership.

However, earlier today, the supreme court directed Mark to return to the federal high court for the hearing and determination of issues arising from the leadership dispute within the ADC.

Delivering a unanimous judgement, a five-member panel of the apex court, headed by Mohammed Garba, faulted the order of the court of appeal which asked parties in the suit to maintain status quo ante bellum.

Following the ruling, the ADC page on the INEC website, which was taken down initially, now shows the full list of the party’s leadership led by Mark.

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BREAKING: Supreme Court Nullifies Status Quo Ante Bellum Order, Restores David Mark-Led ADC Executive

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By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The Supreme Court has set aside the status quo ante bellum order previously granted by the Court of Appeal in Abuja in the ongoing leadership dispute within the African Democratic Congress (ADC).

The ruling effectively restores the executive committee led by Senator David Mark, reversing its delisting by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

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Delivering a unanimous judgment on Thursday, a five-member panel chaired by Justice Mohammed Lawal Garba held that the Court of Appeal’s order was unwarranted. The apex court also found that the appeal challenging jurisdiction had been improperly filed—it was based on an ex parte order inviting parties to show cause, without first obtaining the requisite leave of the appellate court.

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