The Federal Government has announced that both the National Examinations Council (NECO) and the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) will fully transition to Computer-Based Testing (CBT) for all senior secondary school examinations by 2027, as part of efforts to eliminate examination malpractice and strengthen the integrity of public assessments in Nigeria.

Minister of Education, Dr Olatunji Alausa, stated this during the Silver Jubilee celebration marking 25 years of NECO, held at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Conference Centre on Thursday in Abuja, where Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima charged NECO to deepen innovation, strengthen integrity, and sustain global best practices in examination administration.

Speaking at the event as Chief Host, Alausa said the Federal Government was at the threshold of a major reform in the nation’s examination system, with NECO already taking the lead in the implementation of Computer-Based Examinations, expected to commence this year.

According to him, the reform is designed to improve transparency, boost efficiency, and tackle the persistent challenge of examination malpractice through real-time monitoring and digital tracking of candidates during examinations.

“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. Hopefully, by 2027, both NECO and its sister examination body, WAEC, will be conducting all senior secondary school examinations via Computer-Based Testing,” the minister stated.

He stressed that the deployment of technology-driven examinations would significantly reduce opportunities for malpractice, noting that the government’s target is the complete eradication of examination fraud across the country.

The minister also used the occasion to celebrate NECO’s 25 years of existence, describing the council as a critical institution that has helped shape Nigeria’s educational landscape through credible and accessible certification.

The Silver Jubilee celebration highlighted NECO’s journey over the past 25 years as one of educational stewardship, institutional growth, and commitment to strengthening assessment standards in Nigeria.

Meanwhile, Vice President Senator Kashim Shettima charged the National Examinations Council (NECO) to deepen innovation, strengthen integrity, and sustain global best practices in examination administration as the council marked its 25th anniversary.

Represented by Barr. Bashir Maidugu, the Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the President on Legal and Compliance Matters in the Office of the Vice President, Shettima described the council as one of Africa’s foremost examination bodies, noting that its establishment 25 years ago was driven by a patriotic vision to build a credible, nationally owned examination system capable of assessing Nigerian students with fairness, transparency, and global relevance.

He said that since its inception, NECO has evolved from a single examination body into a comprehensive national assessment institution serving public and private schools across the country.

According to him, through sustained investments in capacity building, examiner training, and the modernisation of assessment methodologies, NECO has continued to improve the reliability, fairness, and timeliness of its services.

Shettima commended the council for embracing innovation and technology through digital solutions that have enhanced examination administration, result processing, accessibility, transparency, and operational efficiency.

“Today, as we commemorate this remarkable 25-year journey, we are proud to say that NECO stands proudly as one of Africa’s foremost examination bodies, continually refining its processes, expanding strategic partnerships, and upholding the highest standards of integrity in the conduct of examinations,” he said.

He emphasized the need for stronger security mechanisms to protect the sanctity of examinations, prompt release of results, expanded professional development for educators and examiners, and the deployment of technology and strategic partnerships in the era of Artificial Intelligence.

He also stressed that examination fees should remain affordable to ensure access for every Nigerian child.

Earlier, in his welcome address, the Registrar and Chief Executive of NECO, Professor Dantani Ibrahim Wushishi, described the Silver Jubilee as a historic milestone in Nigeria’s educational development.

He said the occasion provided an opportunity to reflect on the council’s journey, celebrate achievements, and renew commitment to excellence in public examination administration.

Wushishi noted that NECO began as a bold initiative aimed at harmonising and improving the administration of national examinations but initially faced challenges such as limited public trust, infrastructure gaps, and concerns about the credibility of its assessments.

He said that through transparent processes, strong leadership, and commitment to national interest, the council gradually earned the confidence of students, parents, schools, and stakeholders both within and outside Nigeria.

According to him, the introduction of online registration and internet-based release of results transformed NECO’s operations, improving speed, transparency, and convenience for candidates and institutions.

He disclosed that NECO currently conducts examinations in eight countries, a development he said demonstrates the council’s growing international recognition and credibility.

The registrar also acknowledged the roles played by former Nigerian leaders, including General Ibrahim Babangida, General Abdulsalami Abubakar, and former President Olusegun Obasanjo, in the evolution of the examination body.

Wushishi highlighted several achievements recorded under the current management, including the construction of offices in 10 states, procurement of operational vehicles, development of the NECO e-Verify application, establishment of an e-library, and expansion of zonal directorates to improve service delivery.

As part of activities marking the Silver Jubilee, NECO also announced the unveiling of a commemorative book titled, “Twenty-Five Years of NECO: Evolution, Challenges and Contributions to Nigeria’s Educational Assessment System.” (Nigerian Tribune)