Nigeria’s Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, has announced that the National Examinations Council (NECO) will commence computer-based examinations in 2026 as part of efforts to modernise the nation’s assessment system.
Alausa made the disclosure on Thursday during the NECO Silver Jubilee celebration held at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Conference Centre in Garki, Abuja.
According to the minister, the transition to technology-driven examinations is aimed at reducing malpractice and improving the credibility and competitiveness of the examination process.
“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,” he said.
Alausa explained that the new system would enable real-time monitoring of candidates and help detect suspicious activities during examinations.
“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 added.
The Registrar and Chief Executive of NECO, Dantani Ibrahim Wushishi, said the examination body has expanded its operations to eight countries, describing the council as a benchmark for credible examinations across the region and beyond.
Wushishi also revealed that the council has constructed offices in 10 states, introduced digital verification systems, procured operational vehicles for logistics, and established additional zonal directorates to improve service delivery nationwide.
He further acknowledged former Nigerian leaders, including Ibrahim Babangida, Abdulsalami Abubakar, and Olusegun Obasanjo, for their contributions to the establishment and growth of NECO.
