Education Crisis Looms as WAEC Introduces New WASSCE Subjects
Students at the Nigeria Air Force Secondary School in Ikeja, Lagos, have been plunged into confusion following a sudden announcement about changes to the 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) subjects. The school issued a circular on Saturday, November 8, 2025, informing parents that the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) had approved new subject offerings for the upcoming examination cycle.
Timing Conflict Creates Panic Among Final Year Students
The announcement has caused significant distress among students currently in SS3, many of whom had not been taught the newly listed compulsory subjects. According to the circular, these adjustments will take effect for students sitting the examination in less than six months, creating an impossible preparation timeline.
This development directly conflicts with the Federal Ministry of Education's carefully planned rollout of the revised national curriculum for basic and secondary education. The ministry had scheduled the new framework to begin in the 2025/2026 academic session, but only for new students entering Primary 1, Primary 4, JSS1, and SS1.
Students already midway through their educational programs were expected to complete their studies under the old syllabus before transitioning to the new curriculum. The communique from the Lagos school suggests WAEC intends to implement the new subject offerings ahead of this planned transition.
Parents and Students Express Growing Anxiety
The uncertainty has triggered widespread panic among parents and guardians who fear their children may be forced to sit for examinations in subjects they were never prepared to study. Many are concerned about the potential impact on their children's academic futures and university admission prospects.
The revised national curriculum was designed to address several educational challenges, including:
- Reducing subject overload for students
- Integrating digital literacy studies
- Incorporating entrepreneurship education
- Reinstating history as a standalone subject at lower levels
Despite these well-intentioned reforms, the timing and implementation have created what many are calling an educational emergency for current SS3 students.
Official Clarification Remains Elusive
When contacted for clarification, Moyosola Adesina, WAEC's spokesperson, did not respond to calls or messages seeking explanation about the new examination framework. Similarly, Folashade Boriowo, director of press at the Federal Ministry of Education, stated that only WAEC could explain its position regarding the changes.
It remains unclear whether the changes announced by the Nigeria Air Force Secondary School represent a nationwide policy direction or simply a local miscommunication awaiting official clarification from WAEC. This lack of official communication has left thousands of SS3 students across Nigeria anxious about their readiness for the 2026 WASSCE.
The situation highlights the critical need for better coordination between examination bodies and educational authorities to ensure smooth transitions during curriculum reforms. As students await official word from WAEC, many continue to prepare for examinations under a cloud of uncertainty that could affect their academic performance and future opportunities.
