NECO to launch computer-based exams in 2026 as FG targets exam malpractice Nationwide
Tunji Alausa
The Federal Government has announced that the National Examination Council (NECO) will commence computer-based examinations this year in a major move aimed at reducing examination malpractice and modernising Nigeria’s educational assessment system.
The announcement was made by Tunji Alausa during the 25th anniversary celebration of NECO held in Abuja. The development marks one of the biggest reforms in Nigeria’s public examination system in recent years and signals a broader shift towards technology-driven learning and assessment nationwide.
According to the Minister of Education, the adoption of Computer-Based Testing (CBT) will strengthen the credibility of examinations, improve monitoring, and reduce widespread exam fraud across the country.
FG Says CBT Will Help Detect Malpractice in Real Time
Speaking at the anniversary event, Tunji Alausa stated that the new examination system would enable authorities to monitor candidates more effectively and detect suspicious activities during examinations.
He explained that the reform is designed to improve transparency, strengthen public trust in NECO certificates, and align Nigeria’s education sector with international 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,” the minister said.
The minister noted that examination malpractice, including impersonation, question leaks, and collusion at examination centres, has continued to undermine confidence in Nigeria’s educational system. He added that digitising examinations would help eliminate many of these long-standing challenges.
NECO Expands Operations Beyond Nigeria
During the event, NECO Registrar, Dantani Wushishi, revealed that the examination body now conducts examinations in eight countries outside Nigeria, describing the milestone as evidence of the growing international recognition of NECO certificates.
According to Wushishi, NECO has evolved significantly since its establishment in 1999 under the administration of former Head of State Abdulsalami Abubakar.
He credited former President Olusegun Obasanjo and past education stakeholders for supporting the council’s growth and transformation over the last 25 years.
Wushishi explained that reforms such as online registration, internet-based result checking, digital certificate verification, e-library systems, and data analytics have improved operational efficiency and increased public confidence in the examination body.
“Today, NECO is recognised on international platforms as a credible examination body contributing to educational integrity and mobility,” he said.
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Why NECO’s CBT Transition Matters
Education stakeholders have described the transition to CBT examinations as a significant step toward improving Nigeria’s educational system and reducing corruption within public examinations.
The introduction of CBT is expected to deliver several benefits, including:
- Faster result processing
- Better examination security
- Reduced human interference
- Real-time candidate monitoring
- Improved scoring accuracy
- Enhanced transparency
The move also follows the successful adoption of computer-based testing by Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) the over the years.
Analysts believe NECO’s migration to digital examinations could significantly reshape how secondary school assessments are conducted in Nigeria.
NECO Unveils Future Digital Expansion Plans
Wushishi also disclosed that NECO plans to intensify anti-cheating measures while expanding its digital services and infrastructure nationwide.
According to him, the council is prioritising:
- Enhanced examination security protocols
- Item banking systems
- Digital certificates
- Electronic services
- Data analytics platforms
- Staff capacity development
- Support for underserved communities
He added that NECO has already begun expanding its physical infrastructure through the construction of offices in 10 states and the establishment of additional zonal directorates.
The registrar further stated that operational vehicles had been acquired to improve examination logistics across Nigeria.
Nigeria’s Education Sector Embraces Technology
The Federal Government’s latest reform reflects a broader effort to digitise Nigeria’s education sector and prepare students for a more technology-driven future.
Alausa stressed that educational assessments must evolve beyond rote memorisation and focus more on critical thinking, digital literacy, innovation, and problem-solving skills.
“As we celebrate this Silver Jubilee, may NECO and the Ministry of Education continue to work in unison, fostering trust, driving reform, and ensuring that certification remains a passport to brighter futures for all students,” the minister added.
Education experts say the success of the initiative will depend heavily on adequate infrastructure, stable electricity, internet connectivity, and effective training for schools and examination officials nationwide.
FAQ
What is the latest update about NECO exams in Nigeria?
The Federal Government has announced that NECO will begin conducting computer-based examinations in 2026 as part of efforts to modernise Nigeria’s education system and reduce examination malpractice.
When will NECO start computer-based exams?
According to the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, NECO’s computer-based examinations will commence this year, beginning in 2026.
Why is NECO introducing CBT exams?
NECO is introducing Computer-Based Testing (CBT) to improve examination security, reduce malpractice, enhance transparency, and modernise assessment methods across Nigeria.
Will NECO completely stop paper exams?
The government has not officially confirmed whether all NECO examinations will immediately become fully computer-based. However, CBT implementation is expected to expand gradually.
How will NECO CBT exams reduce malpractice?
The CBT system will allow real-time monitoring of candidates, reduce human interference, limit question leakages, and detect suspicious activities during examinations.
Is NECO recognised internationally?
Yes. NECO Registrar Dantani Wushishi stated that NECO now conducts examinations in eight countries outside Nigeria, reflecting growing international recognition.
Which countries conduct NECO exams?
NECO confirmed that its examinations are now conducted in eight countries, although the specific countries were not disclosed during the announcement.
What reforms has NECO introduced recently?
NECO has introduced online registration, digital certificate verification, e-library systems, electronic services, data analytics, and plans for CBT examinations.
Who is the current registrar of NECO?
The current Registrar and Chief Executive of NECO is Professor Dantani Wushishi.
What did Tunji Alausa say about NECO?
Minister of Education Tunji Alausa described NECO as a critical institution for educational integrity and said CBT exams would improve Nigeria’s global education standards.
How does NECO CBT compare to JAMB CBT?
Like JAMB CBT, NECO’s computer-based exams are expected to improve security, speed up result processing, and reduce opportunities for examination malpractice.
Will NECO CBT affect students in rural areas?
Education experts say the success of the CBT initiative will depend on improved infrastructure, electricity supply, internet access, and adequate support for underserved communities.