Federal Govt Unveils 2026 Exam Reforms to Fight Examination malpractice

The Federal Government has announced a series of new measures to combat rampant examination malpractice in WAEC and NECO, set to take effect from 2026.

Announced in Abuja by the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Alausa, and the Minister of State, Professor Suwaiba Ahmed, the reforms aim to restore credibility to the national assessment system through technology and stricter controls.

A key strategy is the introduction of enhanced question randomisation. While all candidates will answer the same questions, the order and format will vary per individual, ensuring “every student writes a unique version of the examination” to hinder collusion.

The government will also strictly enforce the existing ban on transferring students in Senior Secondary School Three (SS3), a practice linked to last-minute exam fraud.

Further measures include a new, standardized national framework for Continuous Assessment with fixed submission deadlines for schools, and the introduction of a unique Examination Learners’ Identity Number (ELIN) to track candidates and improve data integrity.

The Ministry affirmed its commitment to working with exam bodies and stakeholders to ensure credible and fair examinations that reflect global standards.