FG Introduced New Measures To Curb WAEC And NECO Malpractice

The Federal Ministry of Education has officially declared war on examination malpractice. In a recent press release, the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, and the Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Said Ahmed, announced a comprehensive overhaul of how national examinations like WAEC and NECO will be conducted starting in 2026.

If you are a student, parent, or educator, these changes will significantly impact the upcoming academic cycle. Here is a breakdown of the key reforms designed to restore integrity to Nigeria’s assessment system.

1. Randomized Question Papers

In a move to eliminate "hallway collusion" and cheating, the Ministry is introducing enhanced question randomization and serialization mechanisms.

• How it works: While all candidates will answer the same questions, the sequencing and arrangement will differ for every student.
• The Goal: To ensure every student writes a unique version of the examination, significantly reducing opportunities for collusion.

2. Strict Ban on SS3 Transfers

The "miracle center" era is facing a major crackdown. The Ministry has reaffirmed its strict policy prohibiting the transfer of candidates at the Senior Secondary School Three (SS3) level. This directive is being rigorously enforced to prevent last-minute school changes often associated with examination malpractice.

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3. Standardized Continuous Assessment (CA) Timelines

To ensure transparency and data integrity, new national Continuous Assessment guidelines have been developed. All examination bodies (WAEC, NECO, NBAIS, etc.) must now follow mandatory submission deadlines:

Submission Window	Deadline Month
First Term CA	January
Second Term CA	April
Third Term CA	August

4. Unique Examination Learners’ Identity Number

The Federal Ministry of Education is introducing a unique Identity Number for all candidates. This identifier will enable:

• Effective tracking of learners throughout the examination process.
• Strengthened monitoring and accountability.
• Support for long-term reforms in assessment and data management.

The Big Picture

These measures reflect the Federal Government’s resolve to conduct examinations that are credible, fair, and reflective of global best practices. By combining technology with strict policy enforcement, the Ministry aims to ensure that results are a true reflection of a student’s hard work and merit.

As the 2026 examinations approach, the message from the Ministry is clear: Integrity in education is non-negotiable.