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From Fred Ezeh, Abuja
The Federal Ministry of Education has announced new measures that it believes could help to eliminate the rising cases of examination malpractices in schools, particularly in the Senior Secondary School Examinations (SSCE).
Minister of Education Dr Tunji Alausa, in a statement signed by Folasade Boriowo, the Director of Press and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Education, on Monday, indicated that the comprehensive set of measures aimed at eliminating examination malpractices takes effect in the 2026 examination season.
He noted that henceforth, there would be randomisation and serialisation of questions, indicating that 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.
In addition, the minister also announced the introduction of a unique Examination Learners’ Identity Number for all candidates that will enable effective tracking of learners throughout the examination process, strengthen monitoring and accountability, and support long-term reforms in assessment, certification, and data management.
He further stated that, henceforth, examination administration will be conducted under strengthened supervision and coordination with relevant examination bodies to ensure strict compliance with established guidelines and ethical standards.
He also emphasised that the measures reflect the Federal Government’s resolve to conduct examinations that are credible, fair, and reflective of global best practices, while addressing Nigeria’s unique educational realities.
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The minister reaffirmed the strict policy prohibiting the transfer of candidates at the Senior Secondary School Three (SS3) level, stressing that the directive, already communicated through an official circular, will be rigorously enforced to prevent last-minute school changes often associated with examination malpractice.
Meanwhile, to further ensure transparency, the Federal Ministry of Education announced that new national Continuous Assessment (CA) guidelines have been developed for immediate implementation.
It asked all examination bodies (WAEC, NECO, NBAIS, etc.) to strictly follow the standardised submission deadlines for each academic period.
It also announced that submission windows are: First Term CA: January; Second Term CA: April; Third Term CA: August. “These timelines are mandatory and designed to ensure consistency, data integrity, and prompt processing of Continuous Assessment (CA) records across the country.”
The Federal Ministry of Education reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with all examination bodies, state governments, school administrators, parents, and candidates to ensure the successful implementation of these strategies and the smooth conduct of the 2026 examinations nationwide.
