By Ngozi Nwankwo
Federal Government has announced plans to fully transition the National Examinations Council,NECO, to computer-based examinations by 2026 as part of reforms aimed at strengthening the integrity of Nigeria’s examination system.
Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, disclosed this during NECO’s 25th anniversary celebration held in Abuja, Thursday.
Alausa said the shift to technology-driven examinations would help curb examination malpractice and position Nigeria’s assessment system to meet 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,” he said.
According to the minister, the new system would enable real-time monitoring of candidates, detect suspicious activities and significantly reduce examination fraud.
He described NECO as a “standard-bearer for credible external examinations,” noting that the council had become a critical institution in promoting fairness, accountability and integrity in the education sector.
The minister said NECO’s growth over the past 25 years reflected Nigeria’s commitment to building a credible national examination body capable of providing equal opportunities for students nationwide.
He added that the council had strengthened examination security, improved reliability in scoring, expanded access to underserved areas and embraced innovations that restored public confidence in national certification.
Alausa stressed that the future of educational assessment should move beyond rote learning to focus on critical thinking, problem-solving and digital literacy.
“As we celebrate this Silver Jubilee, may NECO and the Ministry of Education continue to work together in fostering trust, driving reforms and ensuring that certification remains a passport to brighter futures for all students,” he said.
In his remarks, NECO Registrar and Chief Executive, Prof. Dantani Ibrahim Wushishi, said the council had expanded beyond Nigeria’s borders and was currently conducting examinations in eight countries.
He described the development as evidence of increasing international acceptance of NECO certificates.
Wushishi noted that despite early challenges, including infrastructure deficits and credibility concerns, the examination body had evolved into a globally recognised institution through transparent processes, prompt release of results and adherence to international best practices.
“Today, NECO stands as a benchmark for credible examinations in the region and among international peers,” he said.
The registrar disclosed that the council had embarked on major reforms and infrastructure expansion, including the construction of offices in 10 states, deployment of e-certificates, establishment of digital verification systems and development of data analytics and e-library platforms.
He added that NECO recently procured operational vehicles to improve examination logistics nationwide and created additional zonal directorates to strengthen service delivery and staff development.
Wushishi also said the council would intensify anti-malpractice measures, strengthen examination security protocols and expand digital services as part of its future agenda.
He commended former Heads of State and Presidents, including Gen. Ibrahim Babangida, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar and former President Olusegun Obasanjo, for their contributions to the establishment and growth of NECO.
