FG moves to tackle examination malpractice, unveils new strategies

In a bid to tackle examination malpractices among schools across the nation, the Federal Government of Nigeria has introduced new measures and strategies in the conduct of the West African Examinations Council and the National Examination Council so as to restore credibility and public trust in the education assessment system.

Strategies which are to take effect from 2026 was announced by the Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Alausa and his State counterpart, Professor Suwaiba Ahmed, in Abuja on Monday.

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The education ministers maintained that examination bodies would be tightened in order to strengthen transparency and restore confidence.

In a statement by the Director of Press and Public Relations in Education Ministry, Boriowo Folasade, stated that the Ministry has resolved to tackle the long standing cheating and irregularities in public examinations.

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To address the menace, the statement pointed that technology-solution would be deployed and stricter handling will be observed so as to restore the credibility of WAEC and NECO.

The statement pointed out the introduction of enhanced question randomisation and serialization as core and first step solution.

Also, the move would structure same question differently to be answered by candidates so that they will even understand each other while sitting close in examination halls.

The ministry noted that this approach would ensure that “every student writes a unique version of the examination,” thereby reducing opportunities for collusion in examination halls.

The government also restated its position on student transfers at the senior secondary level, warning that existing rules would now be strictly enforced.

The ministry recalled that the transfer of candidates at Senior Secondary School Three had already been prohibited through an official circular and stressed that the policy was intended to curb last-minute school changes linked to examination malpractice.

In another move to improve accountability, new national guidelines for Continuous Assessment have been developed and approved for immediate implementation.

Under the guidelines, all examination bodies are required to adhere to fixed submission timelines for assessment records.

The ministry stated, “All examination bodies (WAEC, NECO, NBAIS, etc.) must strictly follow the standardised submission deadlines for each academic period: Submission Windows (First Term CA: January; Second Term CA: April; Third Term CA: August).

“These timelines are mandatory and designed to ensure consistency, data integrity, and prompt processing of Continuous Assessment records across the country.”

To further strengthen monitoring, the ministry is introducing a unique Examination Learners’ Identity Number for all candidates.

Officials said, “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 statement further stated that the ministers assured stakeholders that examination administration would be carried out under closer supervision and in collaboration with examination bodies to ensure compliance with ethical standards.

“They emphasised that these measures reflect 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.

“The Federal Ministry of Education reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with all examination bodies, state governments, school administrators, parents, and candidates to ensure the successful implementation of these strategies and the smooth conduct of the 2026 examinations nationwide,” the statement concluded.

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