Tag: CONUA

The House of Representatives’ order on the halt of full transition to Computer Based Test (CBT) mode of examinations for West Africa Examinations Council (WAEC) and National Examination Council (NECO) has been greeted with commendations by stakeholders, VICTORIA AMADI reports.

Over the years, there have been efforts to reform the educational sector. These reforms are driven by the need to address poor quality, inclusivity, improve the quality of education, increase access, strengthen governance and policy formulation, among others.

Earlier this year, the Federal Ministry of Education directed West Africa Examinations Council (WAEC) and National Examination Council (NECO) to adopt full CBT for all their examinations in 2026.This directive was made by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, during his inspection of an ongoing examination.

Alausa stated that there would be full adoption of CBT for both objective and paper exams by May/June 2026. This, he believes would help curb examination malpractice and help improve the quality of education.

However, the House of Representatives, last week, directed the ministry and the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) to suspend the planned commencement of Computer-Based Testing (CBT) for the examination with immediate effect.

The House urged the ministry and the state governments to make provisions in the 2026, 2027, 2028 and 2029 budgets for the recruitment of computer teachers, supply of standby generators, construction of computer halls with internet facilities, and the monitoring of private schools’ readiness before implementing the CBT policy in 2030.

It was informed by the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance moved by Rep. Kelechi Wogu, 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”, at the plenary.

Leading the debate, Wogu reiterated that WAEC is tasked with conducting examinations that qualify students for higher education, adding that some institutions require candidates to have at least five credits, including English and Mathematics in WAEC to gain admission.

He recalled that the 2025 WAEC result portal was temporarily shut down due to “technical glitches,” leaving many candidates distressed.

Rep. Wogu expressed concern that despite opposition from the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) and heads of schools, especially in rural areas where over 70 percent of students are located, the ministry insisted on introducing CBT for the 2026 examination.

He warned that premature implementation of the policy could result in widespread failure, frustration, depression, and social vices among students and recommended a minimum of three years of preparation before rollout in the 2029–2030 academic session.

The House unanimously adopted the motion and mandated its Committees on Basic Examination Bodies, Digital and Information Technology, Basic Education and Services, and Labour, Employment and Productivity to interface with relevant stakeholders in the education and technology sectors and report back within four weeks for further legislative action.

CONUA: Directive not just a policy intervention, but a moment of national clarity

According to the Congress of University Academics (CONUA), the House of Representatives’ directive was not just a policy intervention, but a moment of national clarity.

The CONUA National President, Niyi Sunmonu, noted that transitioning to CBT is not inherently problematic. He re-emphasised his earlier stance on how digitalisation improves efficiency, reduces malpractice, and modernises assessment. He, however, noted that no reform succeeds by ignoring reality.

Sunmonu also buttressed that many students, especially those in rural or underserved communities, lack stable electricity, computer access, and the digital literacy required to navigate a CBT platform confidently. Hence, a sudden nationwide switch, he warned, risked turning a progressive reform into a large-scale exclusion mechanism.

He questioned if the rush to CBT was driven by readiness or by enthusiasm, noting that technology must align with the nature of assessment, not distort it.

The CONUA boss noted that the legislative’s decision to push implementation to 2030, and to mandate digital infrastructure upgrades, teacher recruitment, and school certification, confirms that Nigeria needs deliberate preparation, not abrupt experimentation.

“While the House of Reps just confirmed CONUA’s earlier warnings. And, importantly, it validates concerns CONUA raised as far back as June 2025, when the rush toward full digital examinations first became public. At the time, CONUA emphasised that transitioning to CBT is not inherently problematic.

“Legislators noted that more than 70 percent of schools expected to present candidates for the 2026 examination lack functional computer laboratories, alternative power supplies, or qualified ICT teachers. They also referenced WAEC’s 2025 portal crash as evidence of the systemic fragility that could derail a transition of this magnitude.

“Crucially, the House observed that WAEC examinations differ fundamentally from JAMB’s. With nine or more subjects, including essays, drawings, and practical components, WASSCE simply cannot be compressed into a uniform CBT structure without compromising quality,” he stated.

He also advised that as the country prepares for a 2030 rollout, the challenge should no longer be whether CBT is desirable, but on how to ensure that digital examinations do not deepen inequality or push vulnerable students further behind.

NAPPS: transition to CBT, must be thoughtful, inclusive and gradual.

For the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS) Nigeria, any transition to computer-based testing for WAEC must be thoughtful, inclusive and gradual.

In a statement, the National President of the Association, Mr. Yomi Otubela, noted that stakeholders should be given the time and support needed to build the required capacity without placing students, teachers, or school owners under undue pressure.

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He warned that Nigeria must avoid creating a system that disadvantages learners in underserved communities or schools still strengthening their digital setups. He added that the levels of preparedness in infrastructure, power supply, digital literacy, and resource availability varies significantly between urban, semi-urban and rural communities.

“The resolution reflects the genuine concerns raised by stakeholders across the country regarding the pace, readiness, and equity of such a major transition.

“As an association, we recognise that the future of assessment is gradually moving towards technology-enabled testing, and we understand the intention of the WAEC and the Federal Ministry of Education to modernise examination processes. At the same time, we are aware that schools across Nigeria operate under different realities,” he said.

NAPPS also urged the Federal Government to seize this moment to allocate sufficient resources to the education sector in the 2026 budget as advised by the House of Representatives.

“This should align with the UNESCO-recommended funding benchmark for education. With proper investment, government-owned schools will be better equipped with computing systems that allow children to learn, practice, and sit for computer-based assessments with confidence.

“Improved power supply and broader access to alternative energy solutions, such as solar installations, are equally essential. Schools require stable energy sources capable of supporting the systems needed for continuous learning and examinations.

“We therefore view the suspension as an opportunity for deeper engagement. We encourage the Federal Ministry of Education, WAEC, and relevant agencies to work closely with school proprietors, teachers, parents, students, and education partners to design a phased implementation plan with clear timelines, adequate training, infrastructural support, and pilot centres that will guide the nation towards full readiness.

“We support the proposed three-year window for infrastructure development, training, and retraining. This period will allow the country to implement a structured, sustainable, and equitable transition.”

AFED: CBT should be treated as a process, not as an end

The President of Association for Formidable Educational Development (AFED), Mr. Emmanuel Kanu Orji, noted that without functional computer labs, standby generators, and reliable connectivity, forcing a CBT model would inevitably lead to systemic failures, massive examination irregularities, and a surge in student frustration.

Orji added that the motion by the House of Rep, rightly points out the shortage of qualified computer teachers, adding that even if devices were magically supplied, untrained staff would struggle to guide students through a high‑stake, computer‑based exam environment. This, he said, would compromise the validity of results and deepen the digital divide between urban and rural learners.

He urged relevant authorities to align implementation timelines with preparedness. He buttressed that this would build credibility and ensure the sustainability of full CBT mode when finally implemented.

He added that beyond academic outcomes, the psychological toll of potential failures, depression, anxiety, and tragic incidents cannot be ignored if it is hastily implemented.

“My appeal is that CBT should be treated as a process, not as an end”. Orji stressed the need to prioritize student welfare over hasty policy execution.

Parent’s stance

A parent of a Senior Secondary (SS3) pupil, Mrs. Olajumoke Adeyemo, lauded the directive. She cited computer glitch as the main reason some pupils failed last year’s examination.

“I am in full support of the House of Representatives order. The truth is that we are not fully prepared to practice full CBT mode of examinations. Mandating compulsory implementation of it would rather lead to mass failure, instead of solving it,” she said.

Another parent, Mr. Bolaji Azeez, said: “We are not ready for full CBT for WAEC and NECO. Forcing it on pupils is equivalent to favouring some set of pupils who have the equipment over those in the hinterland.”

…lauds FG’s third-party deductions payment

The Congress of University Academics (CONUA) has appealed to the federal government to expedite action on settling outstanding remuneration and welfare entitlements of its members.

CONUA National President, Niyi Sunmonu, in a statement, lauded the government for the commencement of the payment of third-party deductions owed to its members.

He described the release of the deductions as “a significant step towards resolving long-standing concerns and a development that contributes to rebuilding confidence in government–union relations.”

Sunmonu recalled that the union had earlier protested the non-remittance of these deductions in a letter dated April 2, 2025, which was addressed to the Accountant-General of the Federation.

The union also acknowledged the approval of ₦2.3 billion for clearing outstanding promotion arrears, but stressed that the amount is insufficient, as verified submissions from some universities showed the amount would not clear the full backlog. It also called for the release of additional funds to ensure no eligible member is left out.

It further condemned the continued withholding of three-and-a-half months’ salaries of its members, stating that CONUA neither called nor participated in any strike action.

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The statement said the withholding violates Section 43(1b) of the Trade Disputes Act, which protects workers during employer-initiated lockouts, and also violates the judgment of the National Industrial Court delivered on 25 July 2023, which affirmed CONUA as an independent union whose members cannot be punished for actions taken by another union.

“We therefore sincerely urge the Federal Government to release these arrears as a matter of fairness, justice, and respect for the rule of law,” the statement read.

The union also stressed that Nigerian universities continue to face critical human resource challenges, widespread brain drain, a shrinking pool of young academics, and worsening mentorship gaps.

It noted that poor remuneration and unfavourable working conditions have resulted in low recruitment into academia.

“If this trend continues, the university system faces the real risk of collapse within the next decade,” the statement warned.

CONUA buttressed that academic remuneration must reflect current socio-economic realities, be globally competitive, and meet at least the African continental average to restore dignity and stability to the profession.

The union further reaffirmed its commitment to constructive engagement and expressed hope that the payment of third-party deductions signalled sustained efforts by the government to conclusively resolve all outstanding welfare.

The Congress of Nigerian University Academics (CONUA), University of Benin chapter, has accused members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) of assaulting its members.

Chairman of CONUA, Comrade Ishaq Osagie-Eweka, who made the allegation in a chat with journalists in Benin, said members of ASUU invaded the classroom when students were writing their exams and forcefully evicted them.

Comrade Eweka said its members were rough handled by members of ASUU.

According to him: “They invaded the classroom, harassed the vice chairperson of the union, destroyed our phone, and I’ve sent videos to the chairman of the Nigerian Union of Journalists, Edo State council to confirm what I’ve seen on camera.

“I want to inform the general public that the University of Benin is conducting exam as we speak. The ASUU may be on strike, but the Congress of United States of Economics are on ground to conduct exams. 

“It is your responsibility as a union having declared strike to withdraw your services, but not to enforce your declaration on another union”, Thank you, Mr. Chairman. So, the going of protection now is that ASUU result to go on strike.”

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He called on the Inspector General of Police and other security agencies to come to their rescue and save them from undue embarrassment.

“So, we want to use this opportunity to call on the Inspector General of Police, the Commissioner of Police, and other security agencies to ensure that CONUA members are protected from the intimidation and harassment of ASUU, who have chosen not to be civil, who have chosen to go in an attempt to enforce their will on other union academic union members.

“We are a civil union and we believe on dialogue. We don’t believe in confrontation and we are dialoguing with government and we know in due course the welfare of our members will be meant”, Eweka said.

Professor Godspower Ekuobase, a lecturer in the department of Computer Science, UNIBEN, confirmed attack by ASUU members.

Leadership of UNIBEN ASUU could not be reached for comments. 

The Congress of University Academics (CONUA) has reiterated its readiness to engage constructively and to partner with relevant government agencies to ensure that the Solarisation Initiative to provide alternate power sources for public institutions; universities and teaching hospitals delivers long-term value for the university system.

This was stated in a statement by the National President of CONUA, Mr. Niyi Sunmonu, PhD.

“CONUA has noted with interest the Federal Government’s plan to deploy N100 billion under the National Public Sector Solarisation Initiative to provide alternate power sources for our public institutions; universities and teaching hospitals. The union recognises the intent behind this ambitious proposal, which is to reduce the cost of governance and improve energy efficiency across public institutions,” it read.

 The body noted that the project’s model of execution, accountability and sustainability is of paramount importance.

CONUA further advised that it is imperative that academic communities, especially technical and engineering faculties, are consulted and involved in both the design and execution of this solarisation initiative.

“The success of the project, lies not in external procurement alone, but in leveraging local expertise, ensuring transparency, and embedding institutional ownership from the start.”

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Sunmonu, however, urged the Ministry of Power to ensure equitable distribution, avoid politically motivated selection of institutions and publish a clear and phased implementation plan. He added that the project, if genuinely pursued, has the potential to relieve institutions of the burden of high electricity bills and improve teaching, research, and health services.

“Past experiences show a disturbing pattern of such projects either being abandoned or poorly executed. A case in point is the similar electricity project initiated at the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), which began over five years ago and remains incomplete till today, despite massive resource outlay.