Senate query sudden curriculum change for 2026 SSCE, summons minister

The Senate has 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 sudden rollout of new guidelines for the 2025/2026 Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (SSCE).

The decision followed a motion by Senator Sunday Karimi (Kogi West), who warned that the revised examination structure could trigger mass failure across the country, as it mandates SS3 students to immediately adopt a curriculum initially scheduled to begin in two years.

According to Karimi, the updated WAEC guidelines alter long-established subject requirements and force students to sit for papers they have not been taught.

He argued that despite years of preparation by students under the current curriculum, WAEC has removed computer studies, civic education and all existing trade subjects from the 2026 May/June examination.

This leaves many candidates with a maximum of six examinable subjects, short of WAEC’s minimum requirement of eight.

“With the removal of these subjects, students across all disciplines, science, arts and business, will now have two or three additional subjects they have never offered, yet must sit for in May/June next year,” he said.

Karimi noted that the sudden inclusion of new trade subjects, such as cosmetology, fashion design, livestock farming, solar installation and computer hardware repairs, without prior instruction sets students up for failure.

He described the directive as ill-timed and unfair, insisting that the changes should only apply to students currently in SS1, who would sit for WAEC in 2027/2028 as originally planned.

Lawmakers Express Outrage

Senators across party lines criticised the new WAEC guidelines.

Senator Adams Oshiomhole (Edo North) said policy shifts must not be implemented without adequate preparation, asking whether schools have teachers, laboratories and training to support the new curriculum.

“We don’t have to plan in a manner that will cause embarrassment,” he cautioned.

Senator Idiat Adebule (Lagos West) called for a thorough investigation, noting that far-reaching education reforms typically pass through the National Council on Education.

Senator Solomon Adeola (Ogun West) insisted that students must first be taught before being examined.

Senate President Godswill Akpabio questioned the rationale behind removing computer studies and civic education.

“Everything is going digital. Why would computer studies be removed? And why should civic education go, when children must understand their obligations as citizens?” he asked.

He also directed that the Senate confirm the accuracy of the new WAEC guideline before taking further action.

Next Steps

The matter has been referred to the Senate Committee on Basic and Secondary Education, which is expected to report back to plenary within two weeks.

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