By Jemimah Wellington, JKNewsMedia Correspondent
THE FEDERAL Government has unveiled a series of measures to reduce examination malpractice in the 2026 West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and National Examinations Council (NEC) exams, focusing on tighter monitoring, improved data management, and stricter compliance with guidelines.
Education Minister Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa and Minister of State for Education Professor Suwaiba Said Ahmed outlined the reforms, highlighting a redesigned examination format that delivers the same questions to candidates in different sequences.
The ministry stated that randomising and serialising questions will make copying and collusion during exams more difficult.
Officials said the government will also enforce the longstanding ban on transferring students at Senior Secondary School Three (SSS3) level, aiming to prevent last-minute school changes often linked to malpractice.
Revised national guidelines for Continuous Assessment require schools and examination bodies to submit scores within set timelines: January for first term, April for second term, and August for third term as the ministry said adherence to these deadlines will ensure uniformity, accuracy, and transparency in student records.
To enhance accountability, the Federal Ministry of Education will issue a unique Examination Learners’ Identity Number for all candidates. The identifier is intended to track candidates throughout the examination process, strengthen data integrity, and support broader reforms in certification and assessment management.
The ministers assured stakeholders that WAEC and NECO will operate under closer supervision to guarantee compliance with ethical standards and operational guidelines.
They emphasised that the reforms reflect the government’s commitment to conducting examinations that are fair, credible, and aligned with global best practices while addressing challenges within the education system.
The ministry added that collaboration with state governments, school administrators, parents, and candidates will continue to ensure smooth implementation and successful conduct of the 2026 examinations nationwide.
