Zainab Ali
The House of Representatives has urged the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Education, to reconsider the removal of Civic Education, Computer Studies, Electrical Installation and other subjects from the West African Examination Council (WAEC) portal, citing their importance to national development.
This followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance at Thursday’s plenary, moved by the member representing Yenagoa/Opokuma Federal Constituency, Bayelsa State, Oboku Oforji.
Moving the motion, Oforji said that although periodic review of the national curriculum was necessary, the affected subjects remained vital to modern economies worldwide. He noted that trade subjects such as Data Processing were among the most popular and widely offered in schools due to their market relevance and students’ interest.
According to him, Computer Studies is fundamental to digital literacy and is almost universally offered, making its sudden removal counterproductive at a time when the world is increasingly digital. He also faulted the decision to remove Civic Education, which had previously been a compulsory subject in all secondary schools.
Oforji described the development as insensitive, especially as most examination bodies are adopting computer-based tests. He expressed concern that students in Senior Secondary School Three (SS3) had been studying these subjects since SS1 and were now being affected barely months before their final examinations.
He further warned that the removal of three or more foundational subjects from the mandatory eight subjects required for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) would leave many students with fewer than the minimum number of subjects. He added that with the WASSCE less than four months away, it was academically impossible for affected students to adequately prepare for new subjects.
“The House is worried that thousands of students across the federation preparing for the 2026 WASSCE are in distress and confusion. It is imperative that SS3 students, who are four months away from their examinations, be allowed to write the WASSCE in the subjects they have studied since SS1,” he said.
The motion was adopted through a voice vote conducted by the Deputy Speaker, Benjamin Kalu, who presided over the session.
Following the adoption, the House urged the Federal Ministry of Education to urgently rescind the implementation of the directive, considering the limited time available, to give students a fair opportunity to succeed. It also resolved to set up an ad hoc committee to look into the matter and ensure compliance.
On September 3, 2025, the Federal Government announced a major overhaul of the national curriculum for primary and secondary schools. Under the new structure, several subjects, including Civic Education, Nigerian History and Social Studies, were merged into a new subject titled Citizenship and Heritage Studies for senior secondary schools. The reform also sought to reduce the number of subjects taken at each level and streamline vocational subjects.
With the changes, confusion arose over the subjects to be listed on the 2026 WAEC examination portal, prompting reports that Civic Education and other traditional subjects had been removed or renamed.