The Federal Government has set a target to make all examinations in Nigeria fully computer-based by 2027, as part of its ongoing efforts to improve the quality and integrity of the nation’s education system. This announcement was made by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, during the inauguration of the Committee on Improvement of Quality Examinations in Nigeria in Abuja on Thursday, January 23, 2025.
Dr. Alausa explained that the committee’s primary task is to address significant challenges within the education sector, particularly concerning examination malpractices. He also highlighted the need to standardize examination practices across the country to ensure fairness and better quality outcomes.
According to Dr. Alausa, the government is deeply committed to tackling the rising problem of examination malpractices, which have become a major concern in the country’s education system. These malpractices include examination leakages and the illegal swapping of candidates, both of which have contributed to the erosion of trust in the examination process. However, the minister stressed that students are not the only ones responsible for these issues. He pointed out that parents, teachers, school principals, and even those responsible for regulating and supervising exams also play a part in the widespread misconduct.
“The issue of examination malpractices involves multiple participants — from students to parents, teachers, principals, and even those supervising and regulating the exams. Our approach to solving this problem must therefore be holistic,” Alausa said.
One of the key steps the government plans to take is the transition to computer-based testing (CBT) for all exams in Nigeria. Dr. Alausa confirmed that by 2027, all national exams will be fully computer-based, which is expected to reduce the opportunities for cheating and fraud that are often associated with traditional paper-based exams.
“We are planning to move to 100% computer-based exams by 2027. This will not be an easy process, but we are committed to ensuring that technology helps us achieve our goal,” he added.
This transition to CBT will also address other major challenges in the examination process, including the local swapping of candidates during exams, a practice that has been a major source of concern. The minister emphasized that the move towards technology would make it easier to identify and prevent such practices.
Alausa further stated that the committee would focus on other critical areas, such as enhancing the supervision of exams, eliminating examination leakages, and addressing the issue of identity theft in examinations. These efforts are part of the government’s broader push to restore public confidence in the examination system and ensure that it remains a fair process for all candidates.
The government’s commitment to improving education in Nigeria is reflected in the substantial funding it has directed towards the sector, particularly under the leadership of President Bola Tinubu. Alausa assured that this funding would be used to enhance human capital development and to ensure the smooth implementation of the planned changes.
Another significant development announced by Dr. Alausa is the introduction of new identifiers on examination certificates. Starting from the May-June 2025 examinations, all examination certificates issued by bodies such as the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), the National Examinations Council (NECO), and the National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB) will feature three key identifiers: the candidate’s National Identification Number (NIN), their photograph, and their date of birth. These identifiers are expected to make it much easier to verify the authenticity of exam results and reduce the possibility of fraudulent activities.
“From now on, examination certificates will feature three key identifiers: the National Identification Number of the candidate, the candidate’s photo, and their date of birth. This will ensure near 100% accuracy in identifying candidates,” the minister said.
The new system is expected to go a long way in strengthening the credibility of Nigeria’s examination bodies and preventing cases of impersonation or identity theft during exams. It will also help in ensuring that results are properly attributed to the correct individuals, making it easier to track and verify the academic history of students.
Dr. Alausa’s statement highlights the significant steps the government is taking to improve the quality and credibility of Nigeria’s examination system. As the country continues to push for educational reform, the shift towards computer-based testing represents a major step in addressing the long-standing issues of examination malpractices and the inefficiency of the current system.
Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, the Chairman of the newly inaugurated committee, thanked the Federal Government for entrusting him and his colleagues with the important responsibility of carrying out this reform. Prof. Oloyede, who is also the Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), assured the public that the committee would carry out its mandate with diligence and in a timely manner. He expressed confidence that the reforms would lead to a more reliable and effective examination system in Nigeria.
As the 2027 deadline approaches, Nigerians will be looking to the government and the newly formed committee to ensure that the transition to computer-based testing is implemented smoothly and that the necessary measures are taken to eliminate malpractices and improve the quality of education in the country.
