The Federal Government has announced that the National Examinations Council (NECO) will commence computer-based examinations this year as part of efforts to curb examination malpractice and modernise Nigeria’s assessment system.

The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, disclosed this on Thursday during NECO’s 25th anniversary celebration held in Abuja.

Alausa said the transition to technology-driven examinations marked a major step towards strengthening the credibility of public examinations and improving Nigeria’s global education standards.

According to Alausa, the new examination model will enable authorities to “monitor candidates in real time, detect suspicious activities and reduce examination fraud.”

“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,” the minister said.

He described NECO as a key institution in safeguarding integrity and accountability in the education sector, noting that the council had evolved into a reliable examination body over the past 25 years.

Alausa stated that NECO’s growth reflected Nigeria’s determination to establish a credible national examination system capable of providing equal opportunities for students nationwide.

He added that the examination body had “improved examination security, enhanced scoring reliability and expanded access to examinations in underserved communities while embracing technological innovations that restored public confidence in its certificates.”

The minister also stated that the Federal Ministry of Education would continue to provide the necessary oversight to ensure NECO’s examinations aligned with national educational goals and curriculum standards.

He stressed the need for educational assessments to move beyond rote learning and focus on modern skills such as critical thinking, digital literacy and problem-solving.

“As we celebrate this Silver Jubilee, may NECO and the Ministry of Education continue to work in unison, fostering trust, driving reform, and ensuring that certification remains a passport to brighter futures for all students,” he added.

In his remarks, the Registrar and Chief Executive of NECO, Prof. Dantani Wushishi, said the council had expanded its operations beyond Nigeria and was now conducting examinations in eight countries.

Wushishi described the development as evidence of increasing international acceptance of NECO certificates.

“Today, NECO stands as a benchmark for credible examinations in the region and among international peers,” Wushishi stated.

He said the council had overcome early challenges, including public scepticism, infrastructure limitations and credibility concerns, to emerge as a globally recognised examination institution.

Wushishi noted that NECO had introduced several reforms, including digital verification systems, e-certificates, e-library services and data analytics platforms.

The registrar also revealed that the council had embarked on infrastructure expansion projects, including the construction of offices in 10 states and the creation of additional zonal directorates to improve service delivery.

According to him, NECO recently acquired operational vehicles to strengthen examination logistics across the country.

Wushishi further stated that the council planned to intensify measures against examination malpractice and strengthen digital services in line with its future development agenda.

He commended former Nigerian leaders, including Generals Ibrahim Babangida, Abdulsalami Abubakar and former President Olusegun Obasanjo, for their contributions to the establishment and growth of NECO.

Participants at the event described NECO’s growth over the last 25 years as a major achievement and expressed optimism that the introduction of computer-based examinations would improve transparency and efficiency in the country’s educational assessment system.

The introduction of computer-based examinations marks a significant shift in Nigeria’s public assessment system, which has faced persistent concerns over examination malpractice, including question leaks, impersonation and collusion at examination centres.

In recent years, examination bodies such as the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board have adopted computer-based testing, with authorities citing improved security, faster result processing and reduced opportunities for fraud.

punch.ng

FOLLOW US ON:

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

PINTEREST

TIKTOK

YOUTUBE

LINKEDIN

INSTAGRAM

The Vice-Chancellor of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Prof. Ursula Ngozi Akanwa, has charged new veterinary doctors of the University to uphold the ethics and values of their profession while ensuring food safety and safeguarding public health.

Prof. Akanwa gave the charge while addressing graduands of Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) during the 12th Induction and Oath-taking Ceremony organised by the University in collaboration with the Veterinary Council of Nigeria (VCN) on Wednesday.

The VC, represented by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor Academic, Prof. Nneoma Elechi Obasi, said the induction confers legal rights on the graduands to practice Veterinary Medicine and places on them the responsibility of safeguarding animal health, food systems and public health.

“Today is not merely ceremonial; it marks the transition of our graduands into professionals entrusted with the health of animals, the safety of our food systems and the protection of public health,” she said.

She stressed that the ceremony reflects the University’s mandate to produce professionals with competence, character and conscience, describing the new veterinarians as critical to agricultural growth and national food security.

The VC also commended the Veterinary Council of Nigeria for granting full accreditation to the University’s Veterinary programme and acknowledged the partnerships with industry operators that support practical training of MOUAU Vet. students.

On its part, the Veterinary Council of Nigeria, led by its President, Prof. Mathew Adamu and Ag. Registrar, Dr. Oladotun Fadipe, while issuing practising licenses to the graduands, congratulated the University for regularly churning out quality DVM Graduands, who are found worthy in learning and character.

A total of 48 DVM Graduands were inducted into the profession, with Dr Chimezie Amarachi Blessing emerging as the overall best graduating student, and Dr Aniorji Sandra Chinonso won the Farm Alert Award.

punch.ng

FOLLOW US ON:

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

PINTEREST

TIKTOK

YOUTUBE

LINKEDIN

INSTAGRAM

The Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Dr George Akume, on Wednesday warned against the continued closure of schools due to insecurity, saying it poses a serious threat to Nigeria’s education system and long-term national stability.

Akume said shutting down schools in unsafe areas not only disrupts learning but also deepens the country’s education crisis.

A statement by Akume’s media aide, Yomi Odunuga, said the SGF spoke in Abuja at the first triannual meeting of the Nigerian Inter-Religious Council, held under the theme, “Religious Literacy for National Cohesion.”

The SGF called for the strengthening of government policies on safe schools and violence-free learning environments.

“The SGF also raised concerns over insecurity in the education sector, warning that attacks on schools and prolonged closures in unsafe areas continue to worsen Nigeria’s education crisis.

“He said government policies on safe schools and violence-free learning environments must be strengthened to protect children and ensure uninterrupted learning,” the statement partly read.

According to him, it was impossible to encourage children to learn when schools were not secure.

“A child cannot learn fraternity in fear; a nation cannot preach literacy while schools are under threat,” he said.

Akume emphasised that while religious studies are already part of the school curriculum, priority must now be placed on improving teaching quality through better-trained educators, enhanced learning materials and value-based education that promotes tolerance and responsible citizenship.

Beyond education, the SGF urged religious and traditional leaders to play a more active role in preventing violence and fostering unity as the country prepares for the 2027 general elections.

He said faith-based and traditional institutions must lead efforts in grassroots mobilisation, youth education and peace-building to counter misinformation, stereotypes and identity-based divisions that often trigger conflict.

“The 2027 general elections are fast approaching, and religious and traditional leaders have a moral responsibility to strengthen collaboration, promote tolerance and ensure peaceful coexistence in their communities,” Akume said.

He warned against the manipulation of religion and identity for political or economic gains, noting that such actions often fuel violence and social unrest.

Akume also stressed the importance of combining religious literacy with media and information literacy to combat the spread of falsehoods and hate speech, referencing Nigeria’s collaboration with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation on promoting responsible information sharing.

He added that the Federal Government had put measures in place to support religious and traditional institutions in sustaining peace and security ahead of the elections.

The SGF expressed optimism that deliberations at the NIREC meeting would yield practical solutions to strengthen national cohesion, while urging stakeholders to prioritise education and literacy as key tools for peace-building and development.

punch.ng

FOLLOW US ON:

FACEBOOK

TWITTER

PINTEREST

TIKTOK

YOUTUBE

LINKEDIN

INSTAGRAM