The Federal Government has confirmed that the National Examinations Council will fully transition to computer-based examinations by 2026 as part of broader reforms aimed at modernising Nigeria’s education sector.
Minister of Education Tunji Alausa announced the development during NECO’s 25th anniversary celebration in Abuja, describing the transition as a major milestone in improving examination credibility, efficiency, and transparency across the country.
According to the minister, the rollout will begin with objective papers before expanding into complete computer-based testing (CBT) for all examination components by 2026.
“We are at the threshold of a very important reform, which NECO is spearheading, and that is the Computer-Based Examination, which is to commence this year and expand into full implementation by 2026,” Alausa stated.
The move mirrors the system already adopted by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, which has conducted nationwide computer-based examinations for years.
Education authorities believe the transition will significantly reduce examination malpractice, including question leaks, impersonation, and result manipulation that have long affected Nigeria’s examination system.
Registrar of NECO, Ibrahim Wushishi, said the council is prepared for the transition despite existing infrastructure challenges in some parts of the country.
He explained that the examination body is collaborating with state governments and other stakeholders to expand CBT centres nationwide, particularly in underserved rural communities.
“We are a professional examination body and we are ready to adopt any medium that improves our processes,” Wushishi said.
The Federal Government also argued that digitising examinations would reduce the heavy logistics associated with paper-based testing, including printing costs, transportation of examination materials, and security risks during distribution.
Officials say the digital shift is expected to improve the speed of examination processing and strengthen confidence in Nigeria’s secondary school assessment system.
However, the planned transition has sparked concerns among education stakeholders, particularly regarding readiness in rural and low-income areas where access to stable electricity, internet connectivity, and computers remains limited.
Several analysts have warned that unequal access to digital infrastructure could widen the educational gap between urban and rural students if the implementation is not carefully managed.
There are also concerns about the preparedness of schools, teachers, and candidates who may have limited experience with computer-based testing.
Despite the concerns, the Federal Government insists the 2026 target remains realistic, citing ongoing investments in digital education infrastructure and expansion of CBT centres across the country.
Education experts say the success of the reform will depend heavily on sustained government funding, technical support, reliable power supply, and adequate training for both students and examination officials.
The transition to full computer-based examinations represents one of the biggest reforms in Nigeria’s secondary education assessment system in decades.
For years, examination malpractice has remained a major challenge affecting the credibility of public examinations in Nigeria. Authorities believe digital testing could help restore confidence in examination results while improving operational efficiency.
The reform also aligns Nigeria with global trends in digital education and assessment systems, as many countries continue to move away from traditional paper-based examinations.
If successfully implemented, the CBT rollout could reshape how millions of Nigerian students write examinations, prepare for university admissions, and interact with educational technology.
The initiative may also accelerate digital literacy among secondary school students, an increasingly important skill in today’s global economy.
With the 2026 deadline now officially confirmed, attention will shift to how quickly infrastructure gaps can be addressed across Nigeria’s education sector.
While the transition promises stronger examination integrity and faster processes, experts say inclusive implementation will be critical to ensuring students in rural communities are not disadvantaged.
If executed successfully, the NECO CBT reform could become a defining moment in Nigeria’s education modernisation drive and significantly transform the country’s examination system for future generations.