The Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has summoned the Education Minister, Tunji Alausa, and the head of the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), Amos Dangut, to explain the newly issued guidelines for the 2025/2026 Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (SSCE).
The motion, moved by Sunday Karimi (APC, Kogi West), argued that the guidelines abruptly changed subject requirements for students preparing for the May/June 2026 exams. According to Karimi, the policy — originally slated to take effect only for students currently in SS1 (who will write SSCE in 2027/2028) — was imposed immediately on all SS3 students nationwide.
Karimi warned that the sudden shift could lead to “mass failure,” as many students will now be forced to sit for papers they have never studied. He noted that the removal of traditional subjects such as Computer Studies, Civic Education and other previously approved trade subjects has left students with as few as six examinable subjects — far below WAEC’s minimum requirement of eight.
Although the new curriculum introduces trade-oriented courses — including beauty and cosmetology; fashion design and garment making; livestock farming; computer hardware and GSM repairs; solar photovoltaic installation; and horticulture — senators cautioned against subjecting unprepared students to these novel subjects in the 2026 exam. Karimi argued that many schools lack both the qualified teachers and proper facilities to deliver the required instruction.
Senators from across party lines echoed concern. Adams Oshiomhole (Edo North) condemned what he called “a culture of anarchism” in policy implementation, questioning whether the necessary resources — like laboratories and trained teachers — were in place. “For a new subject to start, citizens should be well-informed to prepare for it,” he said.
Others called for proper investigation into the decision’s legitimacy, stressing that such a major curriculum overhaul should involve the National Council on Education — which comprises state education commissioners — rather than unilateral action by the federal level.
In light of these concerns, the Senate resolved to refer the matter to its Committee on Basic and Secondary Education, directing it to invite the Education Minister and WAEC head for an explanatory hearing and report back within two weeks.
Furthermore, senators proposed that the new SSCE guidelines should not apply to current SS3 students, but rather take effect only for the cohort currently in SS1.
