The National Examinations Council (NECO) has firmly refuted suggestions that Government Secondary School, Olowa, in Kogi State functions as a miracle center. This statement follows the recent kidnapping of five individuals at the location during the Senior School Certificate Examination. While expressing sympathy for those affected and gratitude toward security forces for the successful rescue of four victims, the Council addressed remarks made by Kogi State Commissioner for Information, Kingsley Fanwo, which labeled the school as a site for examination malpractice.
Azeez Sani, the Acting Director of Information and Public Relations at NECO, clarified that the institution is a public school under the Kogi State government. Established over 40 years ago, it has served as a legitimate examination center for NECO since the year 2000. NECO highlighted that the abducted principal, Elder Daniel Iyamaa, is a senior Grade Level 17 state officer, while the kidnapped supervisor, Mr. Solomon Audu, is a government-employed staff member.
Addressing claims of irregular enrollment, the Council presented data confirming that all 28 registered candidates for the 2026 exams are legitimate students. Enrollment figures from the last five years show stable participation, ranging between 20 and 40 students annually. Additionally, the Council noted that the state government itself sponsored 51 students from the school for the recent WAEC examinations.
NECO maintained that it took proactive steps to secure testing sites following an earlier attack on Government Secondary School, Iluke. Emphasizing its dedication to integrity, the Council stated that leadership reforms under Professor Dantani Ibrahim Wushishi have actively curtailed examination fraud. NECO concluded by requesting that officials verify information before making public claims that could harm the credibility of educational institutions.
