The Education Rights Campaign (ERC) and parent associations have lambasted the Federal Ministry of Education's December 6, 2025, clarification on subject selection for the 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), labeling it insufficient and evasive. Critics argue the statement sidesteps the central issue: forcing Senior Secondary School 3 (SSS 3) students to register for subjects from the new curriculum they have never studied since SSS 1, just four months before exams. With WAEC registration deadlines looming, this has left thousands in limbo, unable to secure the minimum eight examinable subjects.
The controversy stems from the revised Senior Secondary School Curriculum, rolled out earlier in 2025 to cut content overload and align with global skills. However, removals like Civic Education, Tourism, Computer Studies, Storekeeping, Insurance, and Dyeing & Bleaching from the WAEC portal have stranded students, compelling them toward unfamiliar options across science, arts, or commercial streams. While the ministry insists no restrictions exist and subjects like ICT (now Digital Technology) remain accessible, ERC contends this ignores academic fairness and preparation gaps.
Parent groups warn of widespread result invalidations and university admission hurdles, urging an immediate halt to the policy. They demand WAEC restore old subjects or extend registration flexibility, echoing House of Representatives calls for review. The ministry's trade subject provisions six options only if taught—offer little solace, as most schools lack resources for the overhaul.