Reps Demand WAEC Restore Civic Education and Computer Studies After Removal from Portal

The House of Representatives has urged the Federal Government and the Ministry of Education to immediately reverse the removal of Civic Education, Computer Studies, Electrical Installation, and several other subjects from the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) registration portal for the 2026 WASSCE.

This followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance raised by Oboku Oforji, member representing Yenagoa/Opokuma Federal Constituency of Bayelsa State, during Thursday’s plenary.

Oforji warned that the sudden removal of the subjects has created widespread confusion among students, teachers, and schools nationwide, especially those preparing for the 2026 examination. He noted that while curriculum reviews are necessary, the excluded subjects remain critical to national development and global competitiveness.

According to him, trade subjects like Data Processing and essential courses such as Computer Studies are among the most widely offered in Nigerian secondary schools due to their relevance in the digital age. He described the timing of their removal as “insensitive,” especially as many examination bodies including WAEC are increasingly adopting computer-based testing models.

Oforji also faulted the removal of Civic Education, a subject previously compulsory in secondary schools, stressing its importance in promoting responsible citizenship. “Why should we remove Civic Education when the National Orientation Agency is constantly educating citizens about their civic responsibilities?” he queried.

The lawmaker expressed concern that removing multiple foundational subjects from the WAEC portal leaves many students unable to meet the minimum requirement of eight subjects. With the 2026 WASSCE only four months away, he said it is unrealistic for SS3 students to suddenly pick new subjects they have never studied.

“The House is worried that thousands of students preparing for the 2026 WASSCE are now distressed. These students have studied these subjects since SS1 and should be allowed to write them,” he said.

Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu, who presided over the session, put the motion to a voice vote, and it was unanimously adopted.

Following the resolution, the House directed the Federal Ministry of Education to urgently rescind the implementation of the new directive and restore the removed subjects on the WAEC portal, giving students a fair and stable chance to succeed. It also set up an ad hoc committee to investigate the matter and ensure compliance.

The controversy stems from the Federal Government’s September 3, 2025 announcement of a new national curriculum that merged subjects such as Civic Education, Nigerian History, and Social Studies into a single course titled

Citizenship and Heritage Studies. The reform also reduced the number of examinable subjects and streamlined vocational courses. However, the implementation has led to confusion over which subjects will appear on the 2026 WAEC registration platform.pp