Reps ask FG to reverse removal of civic education, computer studies from WAEC portal
The House of Representatives has called on the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Education, to reconsider the removal of Civic Education, Computer Studies, Electrical Installation and other subjects from the West African Examination Council (WAEC) portal, warning that the affected subjects are crucial to national development.
The resolution followed the adoption of a motion of urgent public importance moved on Thursday by Oboku Oforji, who represents the Yenagoa/Opokuma Federal Constituency of Bayelsa State.
While presenting the motion, Oforji stressed that although periodic reviews of the national curriculum are necessary, the subjects removed by WAEC remain essential components of modern economies.
“While acknowledging the efforts to enhance the national curriculum, the timing is just not right,” he said.
According to him, “Trade subjects like Data Processing are among the most popular and widely offered subjects in many schools across the country because of their market relevance and students’ interest.
“Computer Studies is almost universally offered and is fundamental to modern digital literacy, making its sudden removal counterproductive at a time when the world is going digital.
“Similarly, Civic Education, which was previously a compulsory subject in all secondary schools, is no longer so as students have been mandated to study it for two years.
“Why should we remove Civic Education from our curriculum when the bulk of what the National Orientation Agency does is to enlighten citizens about their civic duties as good citizens of Nigeria?”
Oforji described the decision to remove Computer Studies as insensitive, noting that “most of our examination bodies are adopting the computer-based test model for the conduct of their examinations. How will such students learn the basics? Students in SS3 have been diligently studying these removed subjects (Data Processing, Computer Studies, Civic Education, etc.) from SS1.”
Following the motion’s adoption, the House urged the Ministry of Education to “rescind the implementation of the directive and give students a fair chance of success at the examinations,” given the limited time available before the exams.
The House also resolved to set up an ad hoc committee to investigate the matter and ensure compliance.
