NECO Confirms Transition to Computer-Based Testing Starting November 2025, Releases Updated Exam Hall Requirements
According to recent statements from education officials, the full transition to CBT for both objective and essay components will be complete by 2026, representing a definitive shift from the traditional examination methods that have characterized NECO examinations since the council's establishment in April 1999. The National Examinations Council, created during the military regime of former Head of State Abdulsalami Abubakar, was designed to take over the responsibilities of the National Board of Education Measurement (NBEM). It has since conducted both the Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (SSCE) and the General Certificate in Education examination for thousands of Nigerian students annually.
Unlike the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), which serves multiple countries, NECO operates as Nigeria's national examination body, though it has expanded its reach to several other countries including Benin Republic, Togo, Republic of Niger, Equatorial Guinea, Côte d'Ivoire, and Saudi Arabia. The traditional paper-based examinations have long been criticized for their vulnerability to examination malpractice, including question paper leakage, impersonation, and copying.
The phased implementation will begin with objective questions in November 2025, with essay components transitioning the following year. This gradual approach allows schools and students to adapt to the new system while ensuring a smooth transition. The announcement follows a growing trend of computer-based testing in Nigerian educational assessments, with other examination bodies like the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) having successfully implemented CBT for their Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) since 2013.
Education Minister Prof. Tahir Mamman emphasized that the transition aligns with global best practices in educational assessment, noting that computer-based testing offers enhanced security, faster result processing, and reduced incidents of examination malpractice. The National Examinations Council has already begun developing the necessary infrastructure and technical capacity to support this transition, including the establishment of certified CBT centers across the country.
To accommodate the new testing format, NECO has released specific requirements for examination halls. These include stable power supply with backup generators or solar power systems, adequate computer systems with sufficient technical specifications, reliable internet connectivity, and appropriate security measures to prevent malpractice during examinations. The council will also provide specialized training for examination administrators and technical staff to ensure smooth operation of the new system.
The move has received mixed reactions from education stakeholders. While many welcome the modernization of Nigeria's examination system, concerns have been raised about the readiness of schools in rural areas with limited access to technology and reliable electricity. In response, the Federal Government has pledged to support schools in developing the necessary infrastructure, with particular attention to underserved regions.
This transition represents a significant step forward in Nigeria's educational development, bringing the country's examination system in line with international standards while addressing long-standing challenges of examination malpractice. As November 2025 approaches, all educational stakeholders will be watching closely to ensure a successful implementation that benefits Nigeria's students and strengthens the integrity of the national examination system.
