By Onyeanya Ebere Immaculata

The House of Representatives has urged the Federal Ministry of Education and WAEC to suspend plans to introduce Computer-Based Testing (CBT), for the 2026 school examinations, citing inadequate infrastructure and manpower, especially in rural areas.

The lawmakers proposed deferring full implementation until 2030 to allow time for states to provide computer teachers, build ICT halls with internet access, and assess school readiness.

The resolution followed a motion by Rep. Kelechi Wogu, who warned that most schools lack functional computers and qualified teachers.

He noted that rushing the process could lead to mass failure, frustration, and depression among students.

The House mandated its Committees on Basic Examination Bodies, Digital and Information Technology, Education, and Labour to liaise with stakeholders and report within four weeks.

WAEC had earlier announced plans to conduct the 2026 May/June examination via CBT after a partial rollout for private candidates in 2024.

By Huldah Shado

The Federal Government has scrapped its 2022 National Language Policy, which mandated the use of mother tongue as the medium of instruction from early childhood to Primary Six, replacing it with English for all levels of education.

Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, announced the reversal on Wednesday in Abuja at the opening of the Language in Education International Conference 2025, organised by the British Council.

Alausa said the decision followed data-driven research showing that teaching in local languages had negatively impacted pupils’ performance in national examinations.

“The National Policy on Language has been cancelled. English is now the language of instruction in our schools, from primary to tertiary levels,” he said.

He added that Nigeria’s linguistic diversity made implementation of the old policy impractical.

“In some regions, the mother tongue differs from what teachers speak. This has led to confusion and poor learning outcomes,” he noted.

According to him, the new directive aims to restore uniformity and improve literacy, comprehension, and examination performance nationwide.

By Onyeanya Ebere Immaculata

The Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU), has accused the Federal Government of using its “No Work, No Pay” policy to intimidate and silence workers demanding fair treatment and respect for agreements.

NASU General Secretary, Prince Peters Adeyemi, in a statement, said government officials repeatedly threaten to enforce the policy against unions planning lawful strikes, describing it as an attempt to suppress legitimate struggles.

He argued that strikes are a last resort, often provoked by the government’s failure to honour agreements or pay wages promptly.

Adeyemi said while the Trade Disputes Act allows wage withholding during strikes, it must be applied with due process and fairness.

He faulted government for enforcing “No Work, No Pay” while ignoring “No Pay, No Work,” which mandates timely wage payments, calling the practice “hypocrisy that undermines social justice.”

Adeyemi urged the government to strengthen collective bargaining, respect labour laws, and treat workers with dignity to prevent future strikes.