The Federal Government has directed all public examination bodies to include three key identifiers on the certificates of candidates who pass their exams.
These identifiers are the National Identification Number (NIN), date of birth, and a photograph embossed on the certificate.
The Minister of Education, Dr. Olatunji Alausa, announced this on Thursday in Abuja during the inauguration of a committee tasked with transitioning exams conducted by WAEC, NECO, NABTEB, and others from paper-based to computer-based testing (CBT) within three years.
Dr. Alausa stated that by 2027, all public examinations would fully adopt CBT to improve efficiency and curb malpractices.
He also emphasized the government’s commitment to eradicating examination malpractice and called on the committee to develop strategies to combat issues like exam leakages and identity theft.
The committee, chaired by JAMB Registrar Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, was given a deadline of June 2025 to submit its report.
Highlighting the rising cases of malpractice, the Minister noted that including the NIN, date of birth, and photograph on certificates would significantly reduce identity theft and fraudulent practices.
He also expressed concern about the involvement of parents, teachers, and school administrators in aiding students to cheat during exams.
The Minister added that all examination bodies, including WAEC, NECO, and NABTEB, must implement the new certificate identifiers starting from their next examination cycle. “By May, June, and July, all certificates issued must include the NIN, a photograph, and the candidate’s date of birth,” he said.
He reiterated the government’s determination to use technology to improve the quality and credibility of examinations in Nigeria.
