- No More Shortcuts: FG Rolls Out Strict Rules for 2026 WAEC/NECO Examinations
- Says the directive will be strictly enforced nationwide
- The Ministers said examination administration in 2026 will be conducted under stricter supervision
The Federal Government has announced new measures aimed at eliminating examination malpractice in the 2026 West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and National Examinations Council (NECO) examinations.
Eko Hot Blog reports that the measures were disclosed on Sunday by the Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, CON, and the Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Said Ahmed, who said the reforms are part of efforts to strengthen the credibility and transparency of Nigeria’s examination system.
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According to the Ministry, candidates will now write examinations with enhanced question randomisation and serialisation. While all candidates will answer the same questions, the arrangement and sequencing will differ for each individual, a step aimed at reducing collusion and other forms of cheating.
The Federal Government also restated its ban on the transfer of candidates at the Senior Secondary School Three (SS3) level, warning that the directive will be strictly enforced nationwide. The Ministry said last minute school transfers have been linked to examination malpractice in previous years.
As part of the reforms, new national guidelines for Continuous Assessment (CA) have been introduced and will take immediate effect. Examination bodies, including WAEC, NECO and the National Board for Arabic and Islamic Studies (NBAIS), are required to adhere to standardised submission timelines.
Under the new guidelines, Continuous Assessment submissions must be made in January for the first term, April for the second term and August for the third term.
The Ministry also announced the introduction of a unique Examination Learners’ Identity Number for all candidates. Officials said the identifier will allow authorities to track candidates throughout the examination process, improve accountability and support long term reforms in certification and data management.
The Ministers said examination administration in 2026 will be conducted under stricter supervision, with increased coordination between the Ministry and examination bodies to ensure compliance with established guidelines.
They said the reforms are designed to restore public confidence in national examinations and align Nigeria’s assessment processes with global best practices.
The Federal Ministry of Education said it will work with state governments, school authorities, parents and examination bodies to ensure the smooth implementation of the new measures ahead of the 2026 examinations.
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