Registrar and Chief Executive, National Examinations Council (NECO) professor Dantani Ibrahim Wushishi, has disclosed NECO had evolved from a struggling national institution facing public distrust and infrastructure challenges into an internationally recognised examination body known for professionalism and integrity.
To this end, he noted that the council now conducts examinations in eight countries as it expands its international footprint and strengthens global recognition of its certificates.
This was even as the Minister of Education Maruf Tunji Alausa announced that Nigeria will fully transition major secondary school examinations to computer-based testing by 2027 in a sweeping reform aimed at curbing examination malpractice and modernising national assessments.
Wushishi who stated this on Thursday in Abuja during the 25th anniversary of the council acknowledged that, “today, NECO is recognised on international platforms as a credible examination body contributing to educational integrity and mobility”.
Highlighting recent achievements, he said NECO had embarked on office construction projects in 10 states and introduced several digital innovations, including e-verification of results, digital certificates, and a data analysis studio.
The council, he added, had also procured additional operational vehicles to improve logistics and examination administration nationwide.
Mr Wushishi said NECO would continue to strengthen anti-malpractice measures, expand digital services, and deepen collaborations with international examination bodies.
On his part, the Minister of Education Maruf Tunji Alausa announceing the Federal Government plan added that the reform will affect examinations conducted by the West African Examinations Council and NECO nationwide.
“We are at the threshold of a very important reform, which NECO is spearheading — and that is the Computer-Based Examination,” Alausa says.
According to the minister, implementation begins this year before full nationwide adoption across secondary schools by 2027.
Officials say the computer-based examination system will introduce real-time monitoring, digital tracking, and enhanced security measures capable of detecting suspicious activities during examinations.
The Federal Government said the initiative forms part of wider education reforms designed to improve transparency, efficiency, and fairness within Nigeria’s assessment system.
Authorities also expect the digital transition to reduce delays in result processing and align Nigeria’s examination standards with global best practices.
Alausa praised NECO’s role in expanding access to credible certification since its establishment in 1999, noting improvements in examination centres, examiner training, and secure data management.
He charged educators and stakeholders to support reforms promoting digital literacy, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills among students.
