The Federal Government has announced that the National Examinations Council (NECO) will begin using computer-based examinations in 2026.
The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, made this known during NECO’s 25th anniversary event in Abuja. He said the move is part of efforts to reduce exam malpractice and modernise Nigeria’s education system.
According to him, the new system will help officials monitor exams in real time, detect cheating, and improve the credibility of public examinations. He added that it will also prepare students for global digital learning standards.
The minister explained that the government wants exams to focus more on important skills like critical thinking, problem-solving, and digital literacy, instead of memorisation.
The Registrar of NECO, Prof. Dantani Wushishi, said the council has improved over the years and is now recognised beyond Nigeria, conducting exams in several other countries. He also said NECO has introduced digital tools like online verification systems and e-certificates.
Wushishi noted that the council has expanded its operations, built more offices, and improved logistics to support exam activities across the country. He added that NECO is also working to further reduce exam malpractice through technology.
Officials at the event said the introduction of computer-based exams will improve transparency, speed up result processing, and make the examination system more reliable.
Overall, the new policy marks a major shift in Nigeria’s education system as it moves towards full digital assessment.
