The Federal Government announced on Wednesday that the implementation of Computer-Based Tests (CBT) for the National Examinations Council (NECO) Senior School Certificate Examination has effectively curtailed incidents of exam fraud. Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Ahmad, shared this update while observing ongoing assessments at Redeemers Teap School and Anglican Girls’ Grammar School in Abuja.
Prof. Ahmad highlighted the CBT format as a significant advancement for the integrity of Nigeria’s testing systems. Students reported that the transition to digital testing proved to be more efficient and user-friendly than traditional paper exams. Key to this success is the randomization of questions, which prevents candidates from accessing identical sets, thereby limiting opportunities for collusion or cheating.
While advocating for the new system, the Minister assured the public that the government would not force a full national rollout until necessary infrastructure is fully established. This cautious approach aims to prevent any student from facing logistical disadvantages. Collaborative efforts are currently underway with the National Assembly and various stakeholders to enhance facility coverage across the country.
NECO Registrar, Prof. Ibrahim Wushishi, confirmed that the examination process has remained technically sound, reporting no glitches or network failures since the start. He noted that 1,378,048 students have registered for the 2026 examination, with female enrollment slightly outpacing males. Wushishi expects the official results to be published during the first week of September.
Academic staff and students have responded positively to the initiative. Mrs. Nkiruka Nwafor, Principal of Anglican Girls’ Grammar School, noted that the digital format aligns with the needs of a technology-driven workforce, preparing students for modern academic and professional environments.
