The announcement was made by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, during the celebration of NECO’s 25th anniversary in Abuja on Thursday. The move is part of broader efforts by the government to modernise educational assessments, improve transparency, and reduce widespread examination malpractice across the country.
According to the minister, the adoption of technology-driven examinations represents a significant reform aimed at restoring confidence in Nigeria’s examination process and aligning the country with global best practices in education.
“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,” Alausa said.
He explained that the new system would allow examination authorities to monitor candidates in real time, identify suspicious activities quickly, and drastically reduce cases of cheating, impersonation, and question leakage that have long affected public examinations.
The minister noted that over the last 25 years, NECO has evolved into one of Nigeria’s most important educational institutions, playing a central role in maintaining integrity and accountability in the assessment sector.
Alausa said the council’s steady growth reflects Nigeria’s commitment to building a credible national examination structure capable of providing equal opportunities to students across the country, regardless of location or background.
He further praised NECO for strengthening examination security, improving the reliability of scoring systems, and expanding access to underserved communities through technology and institutional reforms.
According to him, the Federal Ministry of Education will continue to supervise and support the council to ensure its examinations remain aligned with national academic standards and curriculum objectives.
The minister also stressed the need for Nigeria’s educational assessment system to move beyond memorisation-based testing and focus more on practical competencies needed in today’s world.
“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 stated.
Speaking at the event, NECO Registrar and Chief Executive, Prof. Dantani Wushishi, revealed that the council’s operations have now expanded beyond Nigeria, with examinations currently being conducted in eight countries.
He described the expansion as a clear indication 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.
The registrar recalled that the council faced several difficulties in its early years, including doubts about credibility, poor infrastructure, and public scepticism. However, he said NECO had overcome those challenges through reforms and technological innovation.
Wushishi highlighted some of the council’s recent advancements, including the introduction of digital verification platforms, electronic certificates, e-library services, and data analytics systems designed to improve efficiency and service delivery.
He also disclosed that NECO has embarked on major infrastructure projects across the country, including the construction of offices in 10 states and the establishment of additional zonal directorates to strengthen operations nationwide.
According to him, the council recently acquired operational vehicles to improve examination logistics and coordination, especially during nationwide examinations.
Wushishi added that NECO plans to intensify its anti-malpractice campaign while strengthening digital services as part of its long-term development agenda.
He also acknowledged the contributions of former Nigerian leaders, including Generals Ibrahim Babangida and Abdulsalami Abubakar, as well as former President Olusegun Obasanjo, for supporting the establishment and development of the examination body.
Participants at the anniversary celebration described NECO’s progress over the last two decades as remarkable and expressed optimism that computer-based examinations would significantly improve transparency, efficiency, and credibility in Nigeria’s educational assessment system.
The planned transition mirrors reforms already implemented by other examination bodies such as the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), which adopted computer-based testing in recent years. Authorities have repeatedly argued that digital examinations help reduce fraud, improve security, and accelerate result processing.
Education stakeholders believe NECO’s transition to computer-based examinations could mark a turning point in the country’s fight against examination malpractice while preparing students for a more technology-driven future.