The Federal Government has announced that the National Examinations Council will begin conducting computer-based examinations as part of efforts to modernise Nigeria’s assessment system and curb examination malpractice.
Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, disclosed this on Thursday during NECO’s 25th anniversary celebration held in Abuja.
According to the minister, the transition to technology-driven examinations represents a major reform aimed at improving the credibility and integrity of public examinations in the country.
“We are at the threshold of a very important reform, which NECO is spearheading, and that is the Computer-Based Examination,” Alausa said.
He explained that the new system would enable real-time monitoring of candidates during examinations, helping authorities detect suspicious activities and significantly reduce examination malpractice.
The minister described NECO as a critical institution in promoting accountability and integrity within Nigeria’s education sector, noting that the council had developed into a trusted examination body over the past 25 years.
Alausa added that NECO’s progress reflected Nigeria’s commitment to building a credible examination system capable of offering equal opportunities to students across the country.
He also stated that the examination body had strengthened examination security, improved scoring reliability, and expanded access to examinations in underserved communities through technological innovation.
According to him, the Federal Ministry of Education would continue to support NECO to ensure its operations align with national education goals and curriculum standards.
The minister further stressed the need for Nigeria’s educational assessments to move beyond rote learning and place greater emphasis on critical thinking, digital literacy, and problem-solving skills.
“As we celebrate this Silver Jubilee, may NECO and the Ministry of Education continue to work together in fostering trust, driving reform, and ensuring certification remains a pathway to brighter futures for students,” he added.
Speaking at the event, NECO Registrar and Chief Executive, Dantani Wushishi, revealed that the council had expanded its operations beyond Nigeria and now conducts examinations in eight countries.
He said the development reflected growing international recognition and acceptance of NECO certificates.
“Today, NECO stands as a benchmark for credible examinations in the region and among international peers,” Wushishi stated.
The registrar noted that the council had overcome several early challenges, including infrastructure deficits, credibility concerns, and public skepticism, to become a globally recognised examination institution.
He highlighted several reforms introduced by the council, including digital verification systems, e-certificates, e-library services, and data analytics platforms.
Wushishi also disclosed that NECO had embarked on infrastructure expansion projects across the country, including the construction of offices in 10 states and the establishment of additional zonal directorates to improve service delivery.
He added that the council recently acquired operational vehicles to strengthen examination logistics nationwide and would intensify efforts against examination malpractice while expanding digital services.
Wushishi commended former Nigerian leaders, including Ibrahim Babangida, Abdulsalami Abubakar, and Olusegun Obasanjo for their contributions to the establishment and growth of NECO.
Stakeholders at the anniversary event described the council’s achievements over the last 25 years as significant, expressing optimism that computer-based examinations would improve transparency, efficiency, and credibility in Nigeria’s public examination system.
The planned transition marks another major shift in Nigeria’s education sector, following similar computer-based testing models already adopted by bodies such as the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, which authorities say have improved examination security and reduced opportunities for fraud.
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