Federal Government Unveils New Strategies to Curb Examination Malpractices in NECO, WAEC and Other Exams
The Federal Government has introduced a comprehensive set of reforms aimed at strengthening the integrity of national examinations in Nigeria, particularly exams conducted by bodies such as the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and the National Examinations Council (NECO). These measures are intended to promote credibility, transparency, and public trust in the assessment system.
Quick Insight:
The new reforms include unique identification systems for candidates, enhanced exam formats, and standardized continuous assessment schedules — all designed to reduce opportunities for cheating and collusion.
Unique Exam Versions and Sequence Controls
• A key reform introduces enhanced question sequencing and arrangement so that although all candidates receive the same questions, their individual order and layout differ.
• This new mechanism aims to ensure that each student sits a distinct version of the examination, reducing the chances of copying and coordinated cheating.
• The approach applies uniformly across national exams, strengthening fairness and reducing room for malpractice.
Strict Enforcement Against Last-Minute Transfers
• The government reaffirmed its ban on school transfers for senior secondary students at the final level before major exams.
• This policy, already issued through official directives, will be strictly enforced to prevent candidates from changing schools opportunistically to gain unfair advantage.
• By tightening compliance, education authorities hope to neutralize one of the loopholes often exploited in exam seasons.
Standardized Continuous Assessment Timeline
• New national guidelines for continuous assessment mark submissions have been introduced to ensure consistency and data integrity.
• All examination bodies are required to adhere to fixed windows for term assessments — scheduled at the beginning, middle, and end of the school year.
• These deadlines facilitate timely processing and reduce manipulation of candidate performance data.
Unique Learners’ Identity for Tracking
• A new unique identifier will be assigned to every candidate taking national examinations.
• This individualized numbering system will support long-term tracking of candidates throughout their academic journey and exam cycles.
• The identifier also strengthens monitoring, accountability, and data accuracy from registration through certification.
Final Thoughts
The Federal Government’s latest measures represent a major effort to modernize Nigeria’s examination framework and reduce malpractice that undermines educational standards. By combining innovative examination formats, strict administrative controls, and enhanced candidate oversight, authorities aim to uphold the fairness and credibility of national assessments, while delivering results that reflect true academic achievement.
