FG Rolls Out New Steps to Tackle Examination Malpractice

FG says it is rolling out fresh measures to curb examination malpractice from 2026.

The move targets key national examinations, including those conducted by WAEC and NECO. Officials say the goal is to rebuild trust in Nigeria’s assessment system.

The announcement was made in Abuja on Monday. It came through a statement issued by Mrs Folasade Boriowo, Director of Press and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Education.

According to Boriowo, the new steps form part of broader reforms designed to improve transparency and restore public confidence. She quoted the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, who said tighter supervision would now guide how national examinations are conducted.

“The ministry is intensifying oversight and deploying targeted strategies to safeguard the integrity of national examinations,” Alausa said.

One major change is how examination questions will be presented to candidates. While students will still answer the same questions, the order and arrangement will differ for each candidate. Officials believe this will reduce copying and organised collusion in exam halls.

The education minister also confirmed that transferring students at the SS3 level remains prohibited. He said the rule would now be enforced more strictly.

“This directive, already communicated through an official circular, will be rigorously enforced to prevent last-minute school changes often associated with examination malpractices,” he stated.

In addition, the ministry has introduced new national guidelines for continuous assessment. These rules take effect immediately and apply to all examination bodies, including WAEC, NECO and NBAIS.

Alausa explained that first-term continuous assessment scores must be submitted in January. Second-term submissions are due in April, while third-term records must be completed by August. He said the timelines are compulsory and designed to protect data integrity nationwide.

Another key reform is the introduction of a unique Examination Learners’ Identity Number. The identifier will allow authorities to track candidates throughout the examination process. It is also expected to strengthen monitoring, certification and long-term data management.

The minister assured parents, schools and candidates that examinations will now be conducted under closer supervision. He said coordination with examination bodies has also been strengthened to ensure compliance with ethical standards.

“These measures reflect the FG resolve to conduct examinations that are credible, fair, and reflective of global best practices,” Alausa added.

He further stressed that the ministry will continue working with state governments, school administrators and parents. The aim, he said, is to ensure a smooth rollout of the reforms ahead of the 2026 examinations.