The Federal Government has announced plans for the National Examinations Council to commence computer-based examinations this year in a bid to curb examination malpractice and modernise Nigeria’s assessment process.
Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, made the disclosure on Thursday during the celebration of NECO’s 25th anniversary in Abuja.
According to the minister, the adoption of technology-driven examinations represents a major reform aimed at improving the credibility of public examinations and aligning Nigeria’s education system with global standards.
“We are at the threshold of a very important reform, which NECO is spearheading, and that is the Computer-Based Examination, which is to commence this year,” the minister said.
Alausa explained that the computer-based model would allow examination authorities to track candidates in real time, identify suspicious conduct, and minimise cases of examination malpractice.
He described NECO as a vital institution in safeguarding accountability and integrity within the education sector, noting that the council had developed into a dependable examination body over the last 25 years.
The minister said NECO’s progress demonstrated Nigeria’s commitment to building a credible national examination system capable of offering equal opportunities to students across the country.
He added that the council had strengthened examination security, improved the reliability of scoring processes, and widened access to examinations in underserved areas through the use of technology, thereby boosting public confidence in its certificates.
Alausa further assured that the Federal Ministry of Education would continue to provide the necessary supervision to ensure NECO’s examinations remained consistent with national educational objectives and curriculum standards.
He also stressed the importance of shifting educational assessments away from rote memorisation towards practical skills such as critical thinking, digital literacy, and problem-solving.
“As we celebrate this Silver Jubilee, may NECO and the Ministry of Education continue to work in unison, fostering trust, driving reform, and ensuring that certification remains a passport to brighter futures for all students,” he added.
In his address, NECO Registrar and Chief Executive, Prof. Dantani Wushishi, said the council had expanded beyond Nigeria and was currently conducting examinations in eight countries.
Wushishi stated that the expansion reflected the growing international recognition of NECO certificates.
“Today, NECO stands as a benchmark for credible examinations in the region and among international peers,” Wushishi stated.
He noted that despite initial obstacles such as public distrust, inadequate infrastructure, and concerns over credibility, the council had grown into an internationally recognised examination institution.
The registrar highlighted several reforms introduced by the council, including digital verification systems, electronic certificates, e-library services, and data analytics platforms.
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He also disclosed that NECO had embarked on infrastructure projects, including the construction of offices in 10 states and the establishment of additional zonal directorates to enhance service delivery.
According to Wushishi, the council recently acquired operational vehicles to improve examination logistics nationwide.
He added that NECO intended to intensify its fight against examination malpractice while further strengthening its digital services as part of its long-term development plans.NECO To Launch Computer-Based Exams This Year — FG
Wushishi also commended former Nigerian leaders, including Generals Ibrahim Babangida, Abdulsalami Abubakar, and former President Olusegun Obasanjo, for their roles in the establishment and advancement of NECO.
Stakeholders at the anniversary event described the council’s achievements over the past 25 years as significant and expressed optimism that computer-based examinations would improve transparency and efficiency in Nigeria’s examination system.
The planned transition marks a major change in the country’s public assessment structure, which has long faced challenges linked to examination malpractice, including question leaks, impersonation, and collusion at examination centres.
In recent years, examination bodies such as the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board have already embraced computer-based testing, with officials attributing the system to improved security, quicker result processing, and fewer opportunities for fraud.