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| Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Ahmad |
Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, gave the commendation during the celebration of NECO's 25th anniversary in Abuja. He said the transition to computer-based examinations reflects the government's commitment to modernising public examinations and ensuring that assessment standards align with global best practices.
According to the minister, technology has become an effective tool in tackling long-standing challenges associated with examination fraud. He explained that the new computer-based system will enable examination authorities to monitor candidates in real time, identify suspicious activities and significantly reduce opportunities for malpractice during examinations.
Alausa noted that the reform is part of broader efforts to strengthen transparency, fairness and accountability in the country's examination process. He added that Nigeria's assessment system must evolve to equip students with digital skills and critical thinking abilities required in today's technology-driven world.
The minister also applauded NECO for embracing innovation over the years through the introduction of digital services, including electronic certificate verification, online result management and data-driven systems that have improved the council's operations. He expressed confidence that the full implementation of computer-based examinations would further enhance public trust in NECO certificates.
Speaking at the event, NECO Registrar, Professor Dantani Ibrahim Wushishi, highlighted the council's achievements since its establishment 25 years ago. He said NECO has expanded its operations beyond Nigeria by conducting examinations in several other countries while introducing reforms aimed at improving service delivery and examination integrity.
Wushishi explained that the council has invested in infrastructure, digital technology and logistics to strengthen its capacity to organise credible examinations across the country. He added that NECO remains committed to introducing more technology-driven initiatives that will enhance efficiency and discourage examination malpractice.
The Federal Government believes the introduction of computer-based examinations will mark a turning point in Nigeria's education sector by making examinations more secure, transparent and reliable. Officials also expressed optimism that the initiative would reduce cheating, improve the quality of assessment and restore confidence in public examination bodies.
Education stakeholders at the anniversary celebration described the digital transformation as a positive development, expressing hope that sustained investment in technology would continue to improve the integrity and global competitiveness of Nigeria's examination system.