NECO computer-based exams will begin this year as the Federal Government targets malpractice and modernises assessments

The Federal Government on Thursday announced that the National Examinations Council will commence computer-based examinations this year as part of sweeping reforms aimed at tackling examination malpractice and modernising Nigeria’s assessment system.

Also read: NECO implicates states in SSCE malpractice scandal

Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, disclosed the development during NECO’s 25th anniversary celebration in Abuja, describing the initiative as a decisive step towards strengthening the credibility of public examinations.

Alausa said the introduction of NECO computer-based exams would improve monitoring processes, reduce fraud and align Nigeria’s education sector with global 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.

According to Alausa, the technology-driven system would allow examination authorities to monitor candidates in real time, detect suspicious activities and significantly reduce malpractice.

The minister described NECO as a powerful institution that had steadily evolved into a reliable examination body over the last 25 years despite early operational challenges.

Alausa said the council had strengthened examination security, improved scoring reliability and expanded access to underserved communities while embracing innovations that restored public confidence in its certificates.

The education minister also stressed the need for assessments to move beyond rote memorisation and reflect modern skills such as critical thinking, digital literacy and problem-solving.

“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,” Alausa added.

Registrar and Chief Executive of NECO, Dantani Wushishi, said the council now conducts examinations in eight countries, describing the expansion as evidence of increasing international recognition of NECO certificates.

Wushishi said NECO had overcome public scepticism, infrastructure shortages and credibility concerns to emerge as a respected examination institution within and outside Nigeria.

The registrar highlighted several reforms introduced by the council, including digital verification systems, e-certificates, e-library services and data analytics platforms designed to improve efficiency and transparency.

Wushishi also revealed that NECO had embarked on infrastructure expansion projects across 10 states and created additional zonal directorates to strengthen service delivery nationwide.

According to Wushishi, the council recently acquired operational vehicles to improve examination logistics and planned to intensify measures against malpractice as part of its future development agenda.

The NECO computer-based exams initiative marks a significant shift in Nigeria’s public assessment system, which has faced persistent concerns over question leaks, impersonation and collusion at examination centres.

Participants at the anniversary celebration described the reform as a promising development capable of improving transparency, efficiency and confidence in Nigeria’s education system.

Also read: NECO releases 2025 SSCE external results, 80% score credits

The transition follows similar digital reforms by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, which authorities say has helped strengthen examination security and accelerate result processing across the country.