What reform is NECO introducing this year?

NECO is introducing Computer-Based Examinations (CBE) to curb exam malpractice through tracking suspicious activity and real-time monitoring.

What has been NECO's role since inception?

NECO serves as the standard-bearer for external examinations, conducting credible exams, certification, and aligning with national objectives.

What achievements did the Registrar highlight?

NECO built credibility with strict procedures, timely results, online registration, and international recognition in eight countries.

What future assessments did the Minister advocate?

Innovative approaches reflecting 21st-century competencies like critical thinking, problem-solving, and digital literacy.

L'Essentiel

At its 25th anniversary in Abuja, Nigeria's NECO announced the rollout of Computer-Based Examinations (CBE) later this year to combat exam malpractice via real-time monitoring. Minister Dr. Tunji Alausa praised NECO's role in secure assessments and 21st-century skills. Registrar Prof. Dantani Wushishi highlighted the body's evolution from trust issues to international recognition, now conducting exams in eight countries with online registration and timely results.

NECO to Introduce Computer-Based Examinations to Curb Exam Malpractice, Minister Announces at 25th Anniversary

Q: Why is CBE expected to reduce exam malpractice?

CBE can track and detect suspicious activity and provide real-time monitoring of candidates.

Nigerian official delivering a commencement speech at a university ceremony in formal academic attire. — Minister Dr. Tunji Alausa addresses NECO's silver jubilee crowd
(Credit: Adedire Abiodun via Pexels)

On Thursday in Abuja, during the 25th anniversary and silver jubilee celebration of the National Examinations Council (NECO), the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, announced that NECO is spearheading reforms with the introduction of Computer-Based Examinations (CBE) later this year.

The minister stated that CBE will go a long way in curbing examination malpractice due to its ability to track and detect suspicious activity and provide real-time monitoring of candidates. This aligns with broader innovation efforts in Nigeria's education sector.

Group of diverse students focusing on exam in classroom setting. — CBE setup enabling real-time monitoring to prevent malpractice
(Credit: Andy Barbour via Pexels)

NECO as Standard-Bearer for External Examinations

Dr. Alausa emphasized that NECO continues to serve as the standard-bearer for external examinations, ensuring certificates reflect genuine mastery and readiness for subsequent opportunities.

He noted NECO's inception was rooted in creating a strong, unified national examination body for standardized assessments, conducting credible external examinations, certification, and alignment with national educational objectives, as detailed on the Federal Ministry of Education site.

NECO’s early emphasis on secure examination administration, reliable scoring, and timely results helped restore public confidence in national certification. The adoption of technology-driven processes, such as secure data management, electronic results where feasible, and robust moderation systems strengthened integrity and efficiency.

The minister highlighted NECO's commitment to widening access, addressing disparities, and ensuring learners from all backgrounds have a fair chance. He stressed clear communication with schools, parents, educators, and learners to reinforce trust.

The Silver Jubilee celebrates achievements in equity, transparency, and using data to inform policy decisions.

Push for Innovative Assessments

Dr. Alausa called for exploring innovative assessment approaches reflecting 21st-century competencies such as critical thinking, problem-solving, and digital literacy, while maintaining rigorous standards. This push mirrors Nigeria's $500M research fund initiatives.

We are at the threshold of a very important reform, which NECO is spearheading – and that is the Computer-Based Examination (CBE), which is to commence this year.

Close-up of student answering a test in a classroom environment. — NECO Registrar Prof. Wushishi honors 25 years of progress
(Credit: This And No Internet 25 via Pexels)

Registrar's Reflections on NECO's Journey

Registrar/Chief Executive Prof. Dantani Ibrahim Wushishi described the occasion as a moment to honour NECO's journey, celebrate achievements, and reaffirm commitment to excellence.

He recalled NECO began as a bold initiative to harmonize national examinations but faced hurdles like limited public trust, infrastructure gaps, and questions about assessment validity and reliability.

NECO laid foundations of credibility through strict procedures, timely results, and consistent standards, building a culture of accountability for a fair and robust process.

A hallmark was the relentless pursuit of timely results and easy access. The introduction of online registration and internet-based release of results brought speed, transparency, and convenience, improving efficiency and reinforcing trust.

By upholding rigorous standards, over time, NECO’s credentials gained wider recognition and acceptance, ensuring fairness across diverse candidates and maintaining consistent quality.

International Recognition and Future

Today, NECO is recognized internationally, conducting examinations in eight countries. It reflects global best practices in assessment design, security, data management, and stakeholder engagement, supported by ongoing national innovation funding.

Prof. Wushishi credited government support for enabling NECO to fulfill its mandate with efficiency and integrity, reinforcing stakeholder confidence, amid broader fiscal challenges like Nigeria's public debt pressures.

NECO’s progress reflects the foresight of its founders, who envisioned a transparent, reliable, and accessible national examination system that would underpin Nigeria’s human capital development.