The federal government has introduced a significant reform in its examination system, as the National Examinations Council (NECO) rolled out Computer-Based Examinations (CBE) during activities marking its 25th anniversary.

This comes as the government declared that NECO examinations would record zero cases of examination malpractice by 2027.

Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, who announced the reform during NECO’s Silver Jubilee celebration in Abuja, said the shift to technology-driven examinations would drastically reduce examination malpractice and strengthen Nigeria’s assessment system to meet global standards.

Alausa described the examination body as a “standard-bearer for credible external examinations,” saying the council had become a critical pillar in safeguarding integrity, fairness and accountability in Nigeria’s education sector.

According to him, the new system would provide real-time monitoring of candidates, track suspicious activities, and drastically reduce examination fraud, which has continued to undermine confidence in public examinations.

The minister said NECO’s 25-year journey reflected Nigeria’s determination to build a credible national examination system that guarantees equal opportunities for learners across the country.

He noted that the council had, over the years, strengthened examination security, improved scoring reliability, widened access to examinations in underserved areas, and embraced technological innovations that restored public confidence in national certification.

Alausa said the Ministry of Education would continue to provide policy direction and oversight to ensure that NECO examinations align with national curricula, learning outcomes, and broader development goals.

In his address, NECO Registrar and Chief Executive, Prof. Dantani Wushishi, revealed that the council had grown beyond Nigeria’s borders and was currently conducting examinations in eight countries, a development he described as evidence of growing international confidence in NECO certificates.

He said the examination body, which began amid widespread scepticism, infrastructure deficits and credibility concerns, has transformed into a globally respected institution through transparent processes, prompt release of results and adherence to international best practices.

He added that NECO’s credentials were now widely accepted internationally, enhancing educational and professional mobility for Nigerian students.

The registrar disclosed that the council has embarked on massive reforms and infrastructure expansion, including the construction of offices in 10 states, the development of digital verification systems, the deployment of e-certificates, and the establishment of data analytics and e-library platforms.

He said the council recently procured dozens of operational vehicles to strengthen nationwide examination logistics and had created additional zonal directorates to improve service delivery and staff development.

Wushishi also announced plans to intensify anti-cheating measures, strengthen examination security protocols and expand digital services as part of NECO’s future development agenda.

MEANWHILE, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, has called for urgent reforms to strengthen the integrity, credibility and innovation of Nigeria’s national assessment system, warning that weak examination structures could undermine merit, public trust and national development.

Abbas made the call yesterday at NECO’s 25th anniversary celebration, where he presented the lead paper and commended the institution for its contributions to educational advancement since its establishment.

Represented by his deputy, Dr Benjamin Kalu, the Speaker described NECO as a vital national institution that has expanded access to certification for millions of Nigerians, while reinforcing national ownership of examinations.

According to him, national assessment systems are not merely technical tools for educational policy, but critical governance institutions that shape opportunities, demonstrate competence and preserve public trust.