By Solomon OKPO
The Federal Government has unveiled a new set of measures aimed at decisively tackling examination malpractice in the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and the National Examinations Council (NECO) examinations from 2026 and beyond.
The initiative forms part of broader reforms designed to strengthen the credibility, transparency and public confidence in Nigeria’s national assessment system.
According to a statement issued by the Director of Press and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Education, Boriowo Folasade, the announcement was made by the Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, CON, in collaboration with the Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Said Ahmed.
The ministers disclosed that the Ministry is intensifying its oversight role while deploying targeted strategies to safeguard the integrity of public examinations across the country. The measures, they noted, are aimed at closing loopholes that have historically enabled cheating, collusion and other forms of malpractice in external examinations.
Dr Alausa emphasised that examination malpractice undermines the value of certificates, erodes public trust in the education system and compromises national development. He stressed that the Federal Government is determined to reverse this trend through firm policies and stricter monitoring mechanisms.
Professor Ahmed added that the reforms would focus on accountability, improved supervision and stronger collaboration with examination bodies, security agencies and other key stakeholders to ensure compliance with established standards.
The Ministry reaffirmed its commitment to restoring integrity to Nigeria’s examination process, warning that all forms of malpractice would attract appropriate sanctions as government moves to protect the future of learners and the credibility of the nation’s educational qualifications.
