The Federal Government has rolled out a fresh set of measures aimed at reducing examination malpractice in the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and National Examinations Council (NECO) examinations.
The new modalities, announced by the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, and the Minister of State for Education, Suwaiba Ahmed, include the introduction of enhanced question randomisation and serialisation systems.
According to the government, the reforms form part of broader efforts to improve credibility, transparency, and public trust in Nigeria’s examination and assessment structure.
In a statement issued in Abuja by the Director of Press and Public Relations in the ministry, Boriowo Folasade, the ministers explained that the government is strengthening oversight and implementing targeted strategies to protect the integrity of national examinations.
They stated that although all candidates will respond to the same set of examination questions, the sequencing and arrangement of those questions will vary from one candidate to another.
This, they noted, will ensure that every student sits a distinct version of the examination, thereby reducing the likelihood of collusion and coordinated cheating.
They further reaffirmed the ministry’s strict stance against the transfer of students at the Senior Secondary School Three (SS3) level.
According to the ministers, the prohibition, which has already been communicated through an official circular, will be firmly enforced to discourage last-minute school transfers commonly linked to examination malpractice.
The statement reads: “To further ensure transparency, new national Continuous Assessment(CA) guidelines have been developed for immediate implementation.
“All examination bodies (WAEC, NECO, NBAIS, etc) must strictly follow the standardised submission deadlines for each academic period.
“The submission windows are first term CA, January; second term CA, April, and third term CA, August.”
The statement added: “These timelines are mandatory and designed to ensure consistency, data integrity, and prompt processing of Continuous Assessment records across the country.
“In addition, the Federal Ministry of Education is introducing a unique Examination Learners’ Identity Number for all candidates. This identifier will enable effective tracking of learners throughout the examination process, strengthen monitoring and accountability, and support long-term reforms in assessment, certification, and data management.”
The ministers assured education stakeholders that examination administration will take place under tighter supervision and improved coordination with relevant examination bodies to guarantee strict adherence to laid-down rules and ethical standards.
They stressed that the initiatives reflect the Federal Government’s determination to conduct examinations that are credible, fair, and aligned with global best practices, while also addressing Nigeria’s specific educational challenges.
The ministry restated its commitment to continued collaboration with examination bodies, state governments, school authorities, parents, and candidates to ensure the smooth implementation of the reforms and the successful conduct of the 2026 examinations nationwide.
