The Senate has called on Minister of Education Tunji Alausa and Amos Dangut, head of the West African Examinations Council’s national office, to appear before lawmakers over the recently released guidelines for the 2025 and 2026 senior secondary certificate examination.
Lawmakers arrived at the resolution after considering a motion introduced by Sunday Karimi, who represents Kogi West. Karimi told the chamber that the revised rules had altered subject requirements for students preparing for the May and June examinations.
He explained that the changes could trigger widespread failure, noting that many candidates would be forced to write subjects they had never been taught. According to him, the guidelines were originally meant to start in two years and to apply to students who are now in SS1.
Karimi informed the Senate that computer studies, civic education and all former trade subjects had been removed from the examination schedule. He added that the affected subjects had been taught for years in Nigerian schools and were part of normal preparation for the WAEC SSCE.
Further explaining the implication, he said the removal leaves pupils with only six subjects each, even though WAEC requires a minimum of eight subjects for registration. He warned that the adjustment would compel students to sit for additional papers they had no background in.
Although new trade subjects such as beauty and cosmetology, livestock farming, solar photovoltaic installation and several others have now been introduced, Karimi noted that examining SS3 students in these courses without prior classroom experience would undermine learning and result quality.
Adams Oshiomhole, who represents Edo North, cautioned against rushing the implementation of the new curriculum. He argued that no evidence exists to show that teachers, facilities and laboratories are ready for the transition.
Idiat Adebule from Lagos West called for an in-depth investigation of the process. She pointed out that the national council on education is normally involved in such decisions.
Solomon Adeola of Ogun West stressed that students must be properly taught before being assessed. He maintained that the Ministry of Education must address the concerns raised.
Senate President Godswill Akpabio questioned the removal of computer studies and civic education from the list. He said both subjects remain important at a time when digital literacy and national values are essential for young citizens.
The Senate eventually handed the matter to its committee on basic and secondary education. The panel is expected to present its findings to the full chamber within two weeks.
