EDUCATION

FG Unveils Measures to Curb WAEC, NECO Exam Malpractice

Published

4 weeks ago

January 6, 2026

The Federal Government has introduced new measures to eliminate examination malpractice in the 2026 West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and National Examinations Council (NECO) examinations.

According to a press statement issued by the Director of Press and Public Relations, the measures are part of ongoing reforms to “strengthen credibility, transparency, and public confidence in Nigeria’s assessment system”.

Some of the key measures include enhanced question randomization and serialization. The statement explained that “while all candidates will answer the same examination questions, the sequencing and arrangement will differ for each candidate, ensuring that every student writes a unique version of the examination and significantly reducing opportunities for collusion”.

The Ministry also reaffirmed its strict policy prohibiting the transfer of candidates at the Senior Secondary School Three (SS3) level, stating that this directive “will be rigorously enforced to prevent last-minute school changes often associated with examination malpractice”.

Additionally, new national Continuous Assessment guidelines have been developed, with standardized submission deadlines of January for First Term, April for Second Term, and August for Third Term.

The Ministry emphasized that these timelines are mandatory and designed to ensure consistency, data integrity, and prompt processing of Continuous Assessment records across the country.

The introduction of a unique Examination Learners’ Identity Number for all candidates 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 Ministry assured stakeholders that examination administration will be conducted under strengthened supervision and coordination with relevant examination bodies to ensure strict compliance with established guidelines and ethical standards, reflecting the Federal Government’s resolve to conduct examinations that are “credible, fair, and reflective of global best practices, while addressing Nigeria’s unique educational realities”.