FG Announces CBT Rollout for NECO Exams
Nigeria’s National Examinations Council is set to begin computer-based testing before the end of 2026, the Federal Government has announced, in a move aimed at tackling the persistent problem of examination malpractice and repositioning the country’s public assessment framework for the modern age.
Education Minister Dr Tunji Alausa made the disclosure on Thursday during NECO’s 25th anniversary celebration held in Abuja, describing the development as a defining moment for educational reform in Nigeria.
“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,” Alausa said at the event.
The minister noted that the shift to technology-driven assessments would allow authorities to “monitor candidates in real time, detect suspicious activities and reduce examination fraud,” adding that the new system represented a significant step toward strengthening the credibility of public examinations and improving Nigeria’s standing in global education rankings.
Alausa described NECO as a critical institution in maintaining integrity and accountability within Nigeria’s education sector, saying the council’s evolution over 25 years reflected the country’s determination to build a credible national examination system capable of delivering equal opportunities for students across all regions.
He also stated that the Federal Ministry of Education would maintain oversight to ensure NECO’s processes remained aligned with national curriculum standards, while stressing the need for assessments to shift away from rote memorisation toward competencies such as critical thinking, digital literacy and problem-solving.
NECO’s Registrar and Chief Executive, Prof. Dantani Wushishi, used the anniversary platform to highlight the council’s growth trajectory, revealing that the examination body now conducts examinations in eight countries beyond Nigeria, a development he said demonstrated increasing international recognition of NECO certificates.
“Today, NECO stands as a benchmark for credible examinations in the region and among international peers,” Wushishi stated.
He outlined a series of reforms undertaken by the council, including the introduction of digital certificate verification systems, e-certificates, e-library services and data analytics platforms. Wushishi also disclosed that NECO had embarked on infrastructure expansion across 10 states and established additional zonal directorates to improve service delivery nationwide. The council recently acquired operational vehicles to strengthen examination logistics.
Wushishi acknowledged that NECO had confronted significant challenges in its early years, including public scepticism, infrastructure deficits and credibility concerns, before emerging as a globally recognised institution. He paid tribute to former heads of state Generals Ibrahim Babangida and Abdulsalami Abubakar, as well as former President Olusegun Obasanjo, for their roles in NECO’s establishment and early development.
Participants at the anniversary event welcomed the planned transition to computer-based testing, expressing optimism that the reform would improve transparency and reduce fraud in public examinations.
Nigeria’s examination system has long battled issues including question paper leaks, impersonation and centre collusion. The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board adopted computer-based testing in earlier years, with results showing improved security and faster processing.