The Federal Government has announced a new set of reforms aimed at eliminating examination malpractice and restoring trust in Nigeria’s secondary school examinations. These measures will take effect ahead of the 2026 WAEC and NECO examinations, marking a major shift in how national exams are conducted and monitored.

According to the Federal Ministry of Education, the reforms are designed to promote fairness, transparency, and accountability while aligning Nigeria’s examination system with international standards.

Unique Question Arrangements to Tackle Cheating

One of the most significant changes is the introduction of advanced exam security technology. Under the new system, all candidates will still answer the same questions, but the order and structure of the questions will differ for each student.

This approach ensures that:

• No two candidates will have identical question layouts
  
• Copying from nearby candidates becomes extremely difficult
  
• Collusion inside examination halls is drastically reduced
  

By giving every student a distinct version of the exam, the government hopes to close common loopholes used during cheating.

SS3 Student Transfers Strictly Banned

The government has also reaffirmed its ban on student transfers at the SS3 level, a practice often linked to examination fraud. This policy has already been communicated to schools nationwide through an official circular.

Under the renewed enforcement:

• SS3 students will not be allowed to change schools close to exam periods
  
• Schools that violate this directive may face sanctions
  
• Last-minute school switches used to manipulate exam outcomes will be eliminated
  

The Ministry emphasized that strict compliance will be enforced across all states.

New Nationwide Rules for Continuous Assessment (CA)

Beyond written exams, the government has introduced new national guidelines for Continuous Assessment (CA). These rules apply to all examination bodies, including WAEC, NECO, and NBAIS, and take effect immediately.

To ensure uniformity and accuracy, schools must now submit CA records according to the following fixed schedule:

• First Term CA: January
  
• Second Term CA: April
  
• Third Term CA: August
  

These deadlines are compulsory and are intended to:

• Prevent manipulation of assessment scores
  
• Improve data accuracy and record-keeping
  
• Ensure timely processing of results nationwide
  

Introduction of a Unique Learner Identity Number

Another major reform is the creation of a unique Examination Learners’ Identity Number for every candidate. This identification system will allow authorities to track students throughout the examination process.

The new ID system will help to:

• Monitor candidates more effectively
  
• Strengthen accountability across schools and exam centres
  
• Support long-term reforms in certification, data management, and assessment integrity
  

This move is expected to significantly reduce identity-related fraud during examinations.

Stronger Supervision and Nationwide Collaboration

The Ministry of Education assured Nigerians that future examinations will be conducted under tighter supervision and improved coordination with examination bodies.

Key focus areas include:

• Ethical exam administration
  
• Improved monitoring of exam centres
  
• Collaboration with state governments, school administrators, parents, and students
  

The government stressed that these reforms are not punitive but are meant to protect hardworking students and ensure that certificates truly reflect merit.

What This Means for Students and Schools

With these reforms in place, students are encouraged to:

• Focus on genuine preparation rather than shortcuts
  
• Take Continuous Assessment seriously
  
• Maintain accurate personal and academic records
  

Schools, on the other hand, are expected to fully comply with all guidelines to avoid penalties and protect their credibility.

Final Thoughts

The Federal Government’s new reforms signal a strong commitment to ending WAEC and NECO malpractice and rebuilding confidence in Nigeria’s education system. By combining technology, strict policies, and nationwide cooperation, the 2026 examination cycle is expected to be more transparent, fair, and credible.

As implementation begins, students, parents, and educators are urged to support these changes to ensure a cleaner and more reliable examination process across the country.