NECO acquires N700m scanner for faster exam results

From John Adams, Minna

In a bid to ensure the quick release of examination results, the National Examinations Council of Nigeria (NECO) has acquired an ultra-modern digital scanning machine worth N700 million. The digital scanning machine, which was inaugurated by the Registrar and Chief Executive of the examination body, Professor Dantani Wushishi, at the ICT department in Minna on Thursday, has the capacity to scan 15,000 Optical Mark Recognition (OMR) sheets per hour.

Speaking at the brief ceremony to unveil the ultra-modern digital scanning machine ahead of its forthcoming examinations for the year, the Registrar said the acquisition and inauguration of the machine will further enhance the quick release of results for all its examinations. Professor Wushishi pointed out that the acquisition of the scanning machine is a testament to the commitment of the examination body to deliver world-class examinations within the shortest possible time.

Hitherto the acquisition of the new digital scanning machine, the Registrar disclosed that NECO had relied on what he described as “out of faction and obsolete DRS scanning machine” capable of scanning only 900 OMR sheets per hour, adding that “this has always affected our timely release of results.” According to him, the new scanning machine will not only scan the OMR sheets but will also score candidates at the same time, “and this will help the council to deliver our examinations within shortest possible time.”

He stated further that staff from the organisation’s ICT department have already been trained on how to handle and operate the new machine, stressing that “NECO is out to make the difference in the international land scape in the delivery of quality examinations.”

Earlier, the Director of ICT, Mr Godwin Usioboh, in a brief remark, said NECO recognises the pivotal role that technology plays in modern educational assessment, adding that the acquisition of the digital scanning machine will enhance the efficiency, credibility, and security of the examination body’s assessment process.

Mr Usioboh pointed out that, in order to conduct credible examinations, NECO has consistently sought innovative solutions to improve accuracy, speed, and reliability in all its examination processes, adding that “the acquisition and commissioning of the Scantron Insight 1500C machine is a testament to our commitment to leveraging technology to achieve these goals.”

He explained that the Scantron Insight 1500C is a high-performance Optical Mark Recognition (OMR) scanner known for its precision, speed, and ability to handle large volumes of scripts efficiently, stressing that “with this addition, we will significantly enhance our data processing capabilities, ensuring faster and more accurate results processing for millions of candidates across the country.” This, according to him, aligns with NECO’s vision of delivering world-class examination services while maintaining the integrity of its assessment system.

He commended the Registrar for his unwavering support for ICT-driven reforms since his assumption of office, saying that his leadership has been instrumental in driving digital transformation within the council.