The Federal Government of Nigeria, in its effort to tackle examination misconduct during the Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) conducted by the West African Examination Council (WAEC), the National Examination Council (NECO), and the National Business and Technical Examination Board (NABTEB), has introduced new measures to curtail malpractice.
In a statement on Monday from the Federal Ministry of Education’s spokesperson, Folasade Boriowo, the government stated that the initiative is part of ongoing reforms to boost the credibility, transparency, and public trust in Nigeria’s examination system.
The statement explained that the reforms will involve improved question randomization and serialization.
“While all candidates will answer the same examination questions, the sequencing and arrangement will differ for each candidate, ensuring that every student writes a unique version of the examination and significantly reducing opportunities for collusion,” the statement read.
The government announced the rollout of new national Continuous Assessment (CA) guidelines, which all examination bodies are required to follow. The statement specified that first-term CA results should be submitted in January, second-term in April, and third-term in August.
“These timelines are mandatory and designed to ensure consistency, data integrity, and prompt processing of Continuous Assessment records across the country,” the statement added.
The government has also launched a unique Examination Learners’ Identity Number for every candidate. According to the statement, this identifier will allow for better tracking of students during the examination process, enhance monitoring and accountability, and support long-term improvements in assessment, certification, and data management.
The Minister reassured Nigerians that the examination will be under improved supervision and in close coordination with the examination authorities to guarantee full adherence to established rules.
Recently, the Federal government issued a directive banning the transfer of candidates at the Senior Secondary Three (SS3) to another school to prevent exam misconduct.