NECO to commence computer-based exams in 2026 — Federal Government
The Federal Government has announced that the National Examinations Council (NECO) will begin conducting computer-based examinations in 2026 as part of efforts to curb examination malpractice and modernise Nigeria’s education assessment system.
The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, disclosed this on Thursday during NECO’s 25th anniversary celebration held in Abuja.
Alausa said the transition to computer-based testing represents a major reform aimed at strengthening the credibility of public examinations and improving Nigeria’s alignment with global education 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.
He explained that the new system would enable real-time monitoring of candidates, help detect suspicious activities, and significantly reduce examination malpractice.
The minister described NECO as a key institution in safeguarding integrity and accountability in the education sector, noting that the council has evolved over the past 25 years into a more credible examination body.
According to him, NECO’s progress reflects Nigeria’s commitment to building a reliable national examination system that ensures fairness and equal opportunity for students across the country.
Alausa added that the Federal Ministry of Education would continue to provide oversight to ensure NECO’s operations remain aligned with national curriculum standards and education goals.
He also stressed the need for education assessments to move beyond rote learning and focus more on critical thinking, digital literacy, 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,” he added.
In his remarks, the Registrar and Chief Executive of NECO, Prof. Dantani Wushishi, said the council has expanded its operations beyond Nigeria and currently conducts examinations in eight countries.
Wushishi said the development reflects growing international acceptance of NECO certificates, adding that the council has become a benchmark for credible examinations in the region.
He noted that NECO has overcome early challenges, including infrastructure limitations and credibility concerns, and has introduced reforms such as digital verification systems, e-certificates, e-library services, and data analytics platforms.
The registrar also disclosed that the council has embarked on infrastructure expansion projects, including the construction of offices in 10 states and the establishment of additional zonal directorates to improve service delivery.
He added that NECO has acquired operational vehicles to strengthen examination logistics nationwide and plans to intensify efforts against examination malpractice while expanding digital services.
Stakeholders at the event commended NECO’s progress over the past 25 years, expressing optimism that the introduction of computer-based examinations will improve transparency, efficiency, and credibility in Nigeria’s education assessment system.
The reform aligns with similar measures already adopted by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), which has introduced computer-based testing to enhance security, speed up result processing, and reduce examination fraud.