Reported by: Oahimire Omone Precious | Edited by: Oravbiere Osayomore Promise.
The National Examinations Council (NECO) is embarking on a transformative phase in Nigeria's educational assessment landscape, as the Federal Government formally announced the commencement of Computer-Based Examinations (CBE) later this year. The declaration was the highlight of NECO's Silver Jubilee celebration held in Abuja on Thursday, May 7, 2026.
The technological shift to a computerised testing model is specifically designed to tackle the endemic problem of examination malpractice. According to the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, the new system will drastically reduce fraud through real-time monitoring of candidates and the detection of suspicious activities. Dr. Alausa noted that the council had been a "standard-bearer for credible external examinations," and that the reform was a critical step towards aligning Nigeria's assessment processes with 21st-century realities. The transition marks a significant move away from the traditional Paper-Pencil Test (PPT) that has been susceptible to widespread leakage and cheating for decades.
In tandem with the CBT rollout, the government has set an ambitious target for the examination body. The Federal Government declared its intention to see NECO examinations record zero cases of examination malpractice by 2027. This aggressive goal is supported by broad administrative measures, including the "scrambling of questions" to ensure each candidate receives a unique version of the exam paper, thereby preventing collaboration among students in the exam hall. Authorities have also enforced strict restrictions on last-minute school transfers for Senior Secondary 3 (SS3) students and introduced a new "Examination Learners' Identification Number" to ensure effective tracking of candidates throughout the examination process, strengthening monitoring and accountability.
Vice President Kashim Shettima used the platform to call on the examination body to ensure that its fees remain affordable for Nigerian children and families. Represented at the event, VP Shettima stressed that while enhancing integrity is crucial, the government remains committed to ensuring that ordinary students are not priced out of accessing credible certification.
Beyond the borders of Nigeria, the examination council recorded a significant milestone in its journey toward global acceptance. The Registrar and Chief Executive of NECO, Prof. Dantani Ibrahim Wushishi, revealed that the council now conducts examinations in eight countries outside Nigeria. Wushishi stated that the expansion was proof of the growing international confidence in NECO certificates. He explained that the council had overcome initial skepticism, infrastructure limitations, and credibility concerns through transparent processes, prompt release of results, and adherence to international best practices.
Profiles of the key figures leading the charge highlight this period of renewal. The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, is a former Deputy Chairman of the Senate Committee on Education in the United States and has brought a global perspective to the ongoing reforms. The NECO Registrar, Prof. Dantani Wushishi, has been instrumental in driving the council's digital agenda, focusing on infrastructure expansion to cover underserved communities and the deployment of e-certificates and data analytics platforms.
As NECO celebrates its 25th anniversary, the overwhelming consensus among stakeholders is that the introduction of computer-based examinations is a defining moment in the institution's evolution—one that is expected to enhance efficiency, restore public trust, and secure a future for Nigerian students on the global stage.
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