By Ibrahim Muhammad
The Senate on Tuesday summoned the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, and the Head of the National Office of the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), Dr. Amos Dangut, to explain the controversial new guidelines introduced for candidates sitting the 2025/2026 Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (SSCE).
The resolution followed a motion sponsored by Senator Sunday Karimi (APC, Kogi West), who warned that sudden changes in the subject requirements for the May/June 2026 examinations could trigger widespread failure among students currently in SS3.
Karimi noted that the new guidelines, initially planned to take effect in two years and targeted at students now in SS1—who are due to write the SSCE in 2027/2028—had been brought forward abruptly, compelling current SS3 students to adopt a curriculum they were never taught.
According to him, the updated framework removes subjects such as Computer Studies, Civic Education and all previous trade subjects from the 2026 examination schedule, despite students having spent years preparing for them.
He further raised concerns that the removal leaves candidates across all disciplines with a maximum of only six examinable subjects, contrary to WAEC’s mandatory requirement of eight to nine subjects for registration.
“This means each student will be compelled to take two or three new subjects they have never been taught, with little or no preparation,” Karimi lamented.
While acknowledging that the introduction of new trade subjects—such as Beauty and Cosmetology, Fashion Design, Livestock Farming, Computer Hardware and GSM Repairs, Solar Photovoltaic Installation, and Horticulture—was commendable, he cautioned against examining students on courses they had no prior exposure to.
Contributing to the debate, several senators agreed that the timing of the changes was inappropriate. They urged WAEC and the Ministry of Education to exempt 2025/2026 SSCE candidates and implement the new guidelines starting with the 2027/2028 set.
Senator Adams Oshiomhole (APC, Edo North) criticized the hasty rollout of the policy.
“We wake up with an idea and rush to implement it. Do we have enough teachers? Are laboratories equipped? There is no evidence,” he said. “We must avoid planning in a way that leads to national embarrassment.”
Senator Idiat Adebule (APC, Lagos West) supported a thorough investigation into the process, stressing that major policy changes in education should involve the National Council of Education, which includes commissioners from all 36 states.
Chairman of the Senate Committee on Appropriations, Senator Adeola Olamilekan (APC, Ogun West), also emphasized the need to adequately prepare students before examining them in any new subject.
“Students must have prior knowledge of what they are being tested on. The minister has questions to answer,” he said.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio questioned the rationale behind removing key subjects such as Computer Studies and Civic Education.
“In a digital age, why eliminate computer studies? And why remove civic education when students must understand their national anthem and civic responsibilities?” he queried. “We must thoroughly investigate this directive to confirm its authenticity.”
The Senate subsequently referred the matter to its Committee on Basic and Secondary Education, which is expected to report back within two weeks.
