The Federal Government has announced that the National Examinations Council (NECO) will commence computer‑based examinations (CBE) this year, marking a major reform in Nigeria’s assessment system.
The announcement came on Thursday during NECO’s 25th anniversary celebration at the Bola Tinubu Conference Centre in Garki, Abuja, where the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, unveiled the reform.
He described NECO as a “standard‑bearer for credible external examinations” and stressed that the transition to technology‑driven testing would curb malpractice and strengthen Nigeria’s global competitiveness.
“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 declared.
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He explained that the new system will allow real‑time monitoring of candidates, track suspicious activities, and drastically reduce fraud.
Alausa added that NECO’s 25‑year journey reflects Nigeria’s determination to build a credible national examination system, while future assessments must embrace critical thinking, problem‑solving, and digital literacy.
In his address, NECO Registrar, Prof. Ibrahim Wushishi, highlighted the council’s growth beyond Nigeria’s borders, noting that NECO now conducts examinations in 8 countries.
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He said the council has transformed into a respected institution through transparent processes, prompt release of results, and adherence to international standards.
Wushishi outlined reforms including new offices in 10 states, digital verification systems, e‑certificates, data analytics platforms, and an e‑library.
He added that NECO recently procured vehicles to strengthen logistics and created additional zonal directorates to improve service delivery.
He pledged stronger anti‑cheating measures and expanded digital services as part of NECO’s future agenda.
The registrar paid tribute to past leaders such as Generals Ibrahim Babangida, Abdulsalami Abubakar, and Olusegun Obasanjo, alongside former registrars and the Niger State government, for their roles in sustaining NECO.
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He also unveiled a commemorative publication titled “Twenty‑Five Years of NECO: Evolution, Challenges and Contributions to Nigeria’s Educational Assessment System.”
The 25th anniversary drew government officials, lawmakers, education stakeholders, and international experts, including Dr. Mafu S. Rakometsi of South Africa and Dr. Eshetu Kebede of Ethiopia.
Stakeholders praised NECO’s transformation and expressed optimism that computer‑based examinations will usher in a new era of transparency, efficiency, and global relevance in Nigeria’s education sector.
