FG introduces new strict measures to curb malpractice in WAEC, NECO exams

The Federal Government has announced a comprehensive set of measures aimed at eliminating examination malpractice in the 2026 examinations and beyond in the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and National Examinations Council (NECO) examinations.

A statement conveying this from the Federal Ministry of Education, said this was part of ongoing reforms to strengthen credibility, transparency, and public confidence in Nigeria’s assessment system.

According to the statement, the disclosure was made by the Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, alongside the Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Said Ahmed, stating that the Ministry is intensifying oversight and deploying targeted strategies to safeguard the integrity of national examinations.

The statement signed by the Director, Press and Public Relations, Mrs. Folasade Boriowo, and made available to newsmen on Monday in Abuja, said among the key measures is the introduction of enhanced question randomisation and serialisation mechanisms.

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.

Boriowo noted that this directive, already communicated through an official circular, would be rigorously enforced to prevent last-minute school changes often associated with examination malpractice.

She added that to further ensure transparency, a new national Continuous Assessment guidelines have been developed for immediate implementation.

All examination bodies (WAEC, NECO, among others) must strictly follow the standardized submission deadlines for each academic period with submission windows as: First Term CA: January; Second Term CA: April; and 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.

“In addition, the Federal Ministry of Education is introducing a unique Examination Learners’ Identity Number for all candidates. 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 Ministers further 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,” the statement added.

The Ministry emphasized 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”.