The Federal Government has announced that the National Examinations Council (NECO) will begin conducting computer-based examinations this year in a move aimed at reducing examination malpractice and modernising the country’s assessment process.

Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, made the announcement on Thursday during NECO’s 25th anniversary celebration in Abuja.

According to the minister, the transition to technology-driven examinations represents a major reform designed to improve the integrity and credibility of public examinations in Nigeria while aligning the country’s education system with global standards.

Alausa explained that the computer-based format would allow authorities to monitor candidates in real time, identify suspicious activities, and minimise examination fraud.

“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,” he said.

The minister described NECO as a vital institution in promoting accountability and integrity within the education sector, noting that the examination body has grown into a trusted national institution over the last 25 years.

He stated that NECO’s progress reflects Nigeria’s commitment to building a credible examination system capable of providing fair opportunities to students across the country.

Alausa also commended the council for improving examination security, enhancing the reliability of results, expanding access to underserved communities, and adopting technological innovations that have strengthened public confidence in its certificates.

He assured that the Federal Ministry of Education would continue to provide oversight to ensure that NECO’s operations remain aligned with national educational goals and curriculum standards.

The minister further stressed the need for educational assessments to evolve beyond memorisation and place greater emphasis on critical thinking, digital literacy, and problem-solving skills.

“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 added.

Speaking at the event, NECO Registrar and Chief Executive, Prof. Dantani Wushishi, disclosed that the council has expanded its examination services beyond Nigeria and now conducts examinations in eight countries.

He described the development as a sign of growing international recognition and acceptance of NECO certificates.

“Today, NECO stands as a benchmark for credible examinations in the region and among international peers,” Wushishi said.

He noted that despite early challenges such as public scepticism, infrastructure deficits, and credibility concerns, the council has grown into a globally recognised examination body.

According to him, NECO has introduced several reforms over the years, including digital verification systems, electronic certificates, e-library services, and data analytics platforms.

Wushishi also revealed that the council has embarked on infrastructure projects across the country, including the construction of offices in 10 states and the establishment of additional zonal directorates to improve service delivery.

He added that NECO recently acquired operational vehicles to strengthen examination logistics nationwide.

The registrar further stated that the council plans to intensify efforts against examination malpractice while expanding its digital services as part of its long-term development strategy.

Wushishi also acknowledged the contributions of former Nigerian leaders, including Generals Ibrahim Babangida, Abdulsalami Abubakar, and former President Olusegun Obasanjo, to the establishment and growth of NECO.

Participants at the anniversary celebration described the council’s achievements over the past 25 years as significant and expressed optimism that the introduction of computer-based examinations would improve transparency, efficiency, and credibility in Nigeria’s education system.

The move marks another major shift in Nigeria’s public examination structure, which has long struggled with issues such as question leakage, impersonation, and collusion at examination centres.

In recent years, examination bodies like the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) have adopted computer-based testing, with officials citing improved security, quicker result processing, and reduced opportunities for malpractice.