The Federal Government has officially announced that the National Examinations Council (NECO) will transition to computer-based examinations (CBE) starting this year.
Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, unveiled the reform during NECO’s 25th anniversary celebration in Abuja on Thursday, framing the move as a critical strategy to modernize Nigeria’s assessment system.
By adopting a digital format, the government aims to strengthen the credibility of public examinations and ensure that Nigerian certifications remain competitive on a global scale.
According to Minister Alausa, the shift to a digital platform will enable authorities to monitor candidates in real time and swiftly detect suspicious activities, significantly curbing examination fraud.
Beyond security, the Minister emphasized that the reform is part of a broader push to align Nigeria’s education system with the demands of the global economy.
He noted that the transition will help students move away from rote learning toward essential skills such as digital literacy, critical thinking, and problem-solving.
Reflecting on the council’s “Silver Jubilee,” NECO Registrar and Chief Executive, Dantani Wushishi, highlighted the institution’s growth into an international benchmark.
Wushishi revealed that NECO now conducts examinations in eight different countries, showcasing a rising international trust in the council’s certificates. This expansion has been supported by previous technological milestones, including the implementation of e-certificates, digital verification systems, and advanced data analytics platforms to streamline operations.
This transition marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s educational landscape, following in the footsteps of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).
By leveraging technology to secure the examination process, the Federal Government expects to replicate the success seen in other sectors of the education system.
Officials believe these infrastructure upgrades, paired with new zonal directorates across the country, will foster greater trust and provide a more reliable pathway for students seeking higher education and professional opportunities.
