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The House of Representatives has urged the Nigerian government, through the Ministry of Education, to rethink the removal of subjects such as Civic Education, Computer Studies and Electrical Installation from the West African Examination Council (WAEC) portal, stressing that they are vital to national development.
The resolution came after lawmakers considered and adopted a motion of urgent public importance moved on Thursday by Oboku Oforji, who represents the Yenagoa/Opokuma Federal Constituency in Bayelsa State.
While presenting the motion, Oforji agreed that curriculum reviews are necessary but insisted that these subjects remain essential for modern economies globally.
He said that although efforts to improve the national curriculum are appreciated, the decision was poorly timed.
According to him, trade subjects, including data processing, are popular among students due to their relevance to the job market.
He added that computer studies is almost universally taught and forms the foundation of digital literacy, making its removal unreasonable when technology drives learning and work worldwide.
Oforji also noted that civic education, which was previously compulsory in secondary schools, now requires only two years of study.
He questioned the removal of the course, pointing out that the National Orientation Agency’s work focuses on promoting civic responsibility.
He described the removal of computer science as insensitive, stating that many examining bodies now use computer-based testing.
He questioned how students would cope without basic computer skills, especially as those in SS3 have studied these subjects since SS1.
The lawmaker further warned that removing key subjects from the mandatory eight leaves students with fewer options and violates examination requirements.
With the West African Senior School Certificate Examination only four months away, he argued that students cannot realistically prepare for unfamiliar alternative subjects.
He expressed concern that thousands of students preparing for the 2026 WASSCE are now confused and distressed, urging that SS3 students be allowed to sit for the subjects they have studied, as the implementation should be reversed.
Deputy Speaker Benjamin Kalu approved the motion through a voice vote.
The House then called on the Ministry of Education to withdraw the directive and give students a fair chance at success. An ad hoc committee will also be established to investigate the matter and ensure compliance.
On September 3, 2025, the Nigerian government announced sweeping curriculum reforms for basic and secondary schools, merging Civic Education, Nigerian History and Social Studies into a new subject known as Citizenship and Heritage Studies at the senior secondary level.
The reforms also aimed to reduce subject load and streamline vocational courses.
The policy shift led to confusion among students, teachers and parents when reports surfaced that Civic Education and other subjects no longer appeared on the 2026 WAEC registration portal.
