Senate Halts WAEC Curriculum Overhaul to Protect 2026 SSCE Candidates
The Nigerian Senate has ordered a last-minute suspension of a major overhaul of the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) curriculum, citing fears that its abrupt implementation could trigger “mass failure” among 1.5 million students slated for the 2026 Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (SSCE).
In a decisive move on Tuesday, the Senate summoned the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, and WAEC’s National Head, Dr. Amos Dangut, directing the Committee on Basic and Secondary Education to investigate the matter and report back within two weeks.
The controversy arose from revised guidelines for the 2025/2026 SSCE, which proposed the removal of key subjects, including Computer Studies, Civic Education, and trade-related courses such as Catering Craft and Block Laying. Under the new policy, students in science, arts, and commercial streams would be restricted to six subjects, contrary to WAEC’s longstanding requirement of eight to nine subjects for certification.
Senator Sunday Karimi (APC, Kogi West), who sponsored the motion, criticised the timing of the policy, saying it was intended for students entering Senior Secondary 1 (SS1) in 2025/2026, not current SS3 students preparing for 2026 exams. “This abrupt change sets the stage for mass failure,” Karimi warned, urging that educational reforms must be gradual and student-focused.
The Senate’s intervention reflects widespread concern over the rollout, which lacked phased implementation, teacher training, and adequate resources. Former Labour leader, Senator Adams Oshiomhole (APC, Edo North), lamented the tendency for rushed policies. “Are there enough trained teachers? Are laboratories ready? The evidence says no. We must not plan in a way that embarrasses the nation,” he said.
Senator Idiat Adebule (APC, Lagos West) called for scrutiny of the decision-making process, noting that major curriculum changes typically require approval from the National Council on Education. Senator Adeola Olamilekan (APC, Ogun West) emphasised, “Students cannot be tested on subjects they have not been taught.”
Senate President Godswill Akpabio questioned the removal of Computer Studies and Civic Education, describing them as “foundational subjects for national development.”
The Senate resolved to halt the immediate implementation of the new guidelines for the 2025/2026 SSCE cohort. WAEC and the Ministry of Education were urged to exempt current SS3 students and apply the revised curriculum only to those entering SS1 in the 2025/2026 session.
The intervention follows protests from parents, teachers, and civil society groups, and comes after criticism of the Ministry for issuing restrictive subject selection guidelines earlier this year. WAEC had introduced the curriculum review to align Nigeria’s secondary education with global standards and reduce subject overload. However, the sudden rollout threatened to undermine these objectives.
The Senate committee is expected to submit its findings by late December 2025, which will determine whether the new curriculum policy will be suspended or modified.