Alausa confirms NECO’s shift to CBE in 2026

The National Examinations Council (NECO) is set to begin computer-based examinations (CBE) from 2026 as part of efforts to modernise Nigeria’s examination system and curb malpractice.

Tunji Alausa, the minister of education, confirmed this on Thursday, during the occasion of NECO’s Silver Jubilee celebration in Abuja, amid glowing tributes to its rise from a troubled national initiative to an internationally recognised assessment institution.

Alausa emphasised that the transition is aimed at improving the credibility, efficiency, and global competitiveness of the country’s assessment process.

He added that preparations are already underway to ensure a smooth implementation nationwide. Besides, he announced that the transition to technology-driven examinations would significantly curb examination malpractice and reposition Nigeria’s assessment system for global competitiveness.

The minister described NECO as a ‘standard-bearer for credible external examinations’, noting 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,” Alausa said.

He 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.

The minister 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.

Moreover, he highlighted that 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.

Alausa said the Federal 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.

The minister emphasised 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.

Dantani Wushishi, the registrar/chief executive officer at NECO, in his speech, 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.

Wushishi 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.

Wushishi further said that NECO’s credentials were now widely accepted internationally, enhancing educational and professional mobility for Nigerian students; and 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 also announced plans to intensify anti-cheating measures, strengthen examination security protocols and expand digital services as part of NECO’s future development agenda.

The registrar also recognised the contributions of past registrars, education ministers, governing boards and the Niger State government for sustaining the council through its formative and transformative years.

“The unveiling of a commemorative historical publication titled “Twenty-Five Years of NECO: Evolution, Challenges and Contributions to Nigeria’s Educational Assessment System” formed part of activities marking the anniversary,” he said.