By Our Reporter
National Examinations Council will begin conducting computer-based examinations this year as part of major reforms aimed at reducing examination malpractice and modernising Nigeria’s assessment system, the Federal Government has announced.
Minister of Education Tunji Alausa disclosed this on Thursday during NECO’s 25th anniversary celebration held at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Conference Centre in Abuja.
Alausa described the transition to computer-based examinations as a major step toward improving transparency, credibility, and global competitiveness in Nigeria’s education sector.
According to him, the technology-driven system would enable real-time monitoring of candidates, detect suspicious activities during examinations, and drastically reduce examination fraud.
“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.
He noted that NECO had evolved into a major pillar of credibility and accountability in Nigeria’s educational assessment system over the past 25 years.
The minister added that the examination body had strengthened examination security, improved reliability in scoring, expanded access to underserved areas, and embraced innovations that restored public confidence in national certification.
Alausa assured that the Ministry of Education would continue to provide policy direction to ensure NECO’s examinations align with national curricula, learning objectives, and broader development goals.
He stressed that future educational assessments must move beyond rote learning and focus more on critical thinking, problem-solving, and digital literacy skills required in the 21st century.
Speaking at the event, NECO Registrar and Chief Executive Dantani Ibrahim Wushishi revealed that the council now conducts examinations in eight countries, reflecting growing international recognition of NECO certificates.
Wushishi said the council had transformed from a troubled initiative plagued by scepticism and infrastructure challenges into a globally respected examination institution through transparent processes and adherence to international best practices.
He disclosed that NECO had embarked on major reforms and infrastructure expansion, including the construction of offices in 10 states, deployment of digital verification systems, introduction of e-certificates, and development of data analytics and e-library platforms.
The registrar also said the council recently acquired operational vehicles to improve nationwide examination logistics and created additional zonal directorates to strengthen service delivery and staff development.
According to him, NECO plans to intensify anti-cheating measures, improve examination security, and expand digital services as part of its long-term development agenda.
Wushishi paid tribute to former Nigerian leaders, including Ibrahim Babangida, Abdulsalami Abubakar, and Olusegun Obasanjo for their roles in the establishment and growth of NECO.
The anniversary celebration also featured the unveiling of a commemorative publication titled Twenty-Five Years of NECO: Evolution, Challenges and Contributions to Nigeria’s Educational Assessment System.
Education stakeholders and international assessment experts at the event described NECO’s growth as a major success story and expressed optimism that computer-based examinations would usher in a new era of transparency and efficiency in Nigeria’s educational system.