The National Examinations Council (NECO) has announced its decision to employ computer- based test for all examinations its examinations.
Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa disclosed this at NECO’s Silver Jubilee celebration in Abuja on Thursday.
Alausa, explained that the transition to technology-driven examinations would significantly curb examination malpractice and reposition Nigeria’s assessment system for global competitiveness.
He described NECO as a “standard-bearer for credible external examinations”, adding that the council had become a critical pillar in safeguarding integrity, fairness and accountability in Nigeria’s education sector.
“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.
The Minister noted that the new system would provide real-time monitoring of candidates, track suspicious activities and drastically reduce examination fraud that has continued to undermine confidence in public examinations.
He said NECO’s 25-year journey reflected Nigeria’s determination to build a credible national examination system capable of guaranteeing equal opportunities for learners across the country.
According to him, the council had over the years strengthened examination security, improved reliability in scoring, widened access to examinations in underserved areas and embraced technological innovations that restored public confidence in national certification.
He stated that the Ministry of Education would continue to provide policy direction and oversight to ensure NECO examinations aligned with national curricula, learning outcomes and broader development goals.
Furthermore, the Minister stressed that the future of educational assessment must go beyond rote learning to embrace 21st-century competencies such as critical thinking, problem-solving and digital literacy.
“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 said.
On his part, NECO Registrar, Prof. Dantani Wushishi, disclosed that the council had grown beyond Nigeria’s borders and was currently conducting examinations in eight countries, a development he described as evidence of growing international confidence in NECO certificates.
He said the examination body, which began amid widespread scepticism, infrastructure deficits and credibility concerns, had transformed into a globally respected 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.
He added that NECO’s credentials were now widely accepted internationally, enhancing educational and professional mobility for Nigerian students.
The registrar further disclosed that the council had embarked on massive reforms and infrastructure expansion, including the construction of offices in 10 states, development of digital verification systems, deployment of e-certificates and establishment of data analytics and e-library platforms.
He said the council recently procured dozens of operational vehicles to strengthen nationwide examination logistics and had created additional zonal directorates to improve service delivery and staff development.
Wushishi also announced plans to intensify anti-cheating measures, strengthen examination security protocols and expand digital services as part of NECO’s future development agenda.
He paid glowing tributes to former Heads of State and Presidents, including Generals Ibrahim Babangida, Abdulsalami Abubakar and Olusegun Obasanjo, for their roles in the evolution and institutionalisation of NECO.
The registrar equally acknowledged the contributions of past registrars, education ministers, governing boards and the Niger State government for sustaining the council through its formative and transformative years.
