The National Examinations Council (NECO) has taken disciplinary action against 14 examination centres implicated in widespread malpractice across nine subjects. The affected centres—ten in Ogun State and four in Oyo State—were blacklisted following investigations into their involvement in irregularities.
NECO Registrar, Prof. Dantani Wushishi, disclosed this on Friday during a media briefing at the Council’s headquarters in Minna, Niger State. The briefing coincided with the release of the 2024 Senior School Certificate Examination (External) results, held on February 14, 2025.
According to Wushishi, the names of the blacklisted centres and supervisors will be forwarded to other examination bodies for further sanctions. “The Federal Ministry of Education has mandated that the names of these centres and supervisors involved in malpractice be sent to sister examination bodies, including JAMB and WAEC,” he stated.
Additionally, “seven supervisors—two each from Oyo and Ogun, and one each from Lagos, Cross River, and Ebonyi—were recommended for blacklisting due to poor supervision, lateness, and aiding and abetting malpractice during the examination.”
Despite these challenges, NECO reported a decline in examination malpractice cases. “The number of candidates booked for various forms of malpractice is 6,169, compared to 8,518 in 2023, representing a 27.7 per cent decrease,” Wushishi revealed.
2024 Exam Performance Statistics
A total of 86,067 candidates registered for the examination, comprising 44,988 males and 41,079 females, with 84,799 eventually sitting for the exam.
Performance highlights include:
– “62,929 candidates, representing 75.62 per cent, sat for English Language and scored credit and above.”
– “77,988 candidates, representing 93.94 per cent, obtained five credits and above in Mathematics.”*
– “The number of candidates who secured five credits and above, including English Language and Mathematics, is 57,114, representing 63.35 per cent.”
– “Meanwhile, 70,711 candidates, representing 83.39 per cent, obtained five credits and above, irrespective of English Language and Mathematics.”
These actions by NECO reinforce its commitment to upholding the integrity of Nigeria’s examination system while ensuring a fair assessment process for all candidates.
Impacts of NECO’s Actions on the Educational System
-Strengthening Examination Integrity
The blacklisting of centres reinforces the credibility of NECO’s examinations and certificates will be based on merit, improving recognition nationally and internationally.
-Deterrence Against Malpractice
Publicized penalties discourage schools, centres, and candidates from engaging in exam fraud. This will make schools implement stricter measures to prevent malpractice, fostering a culture of academic honesty in the country.
-Improvement in Teaching and Learning Standards
Students will be encouraged to study harder, leading to improved academic performance as schools will focus more on quality teaching rather than relying on illegal means to boost results.
-Enhanced Trust in the Educational System
Employers, universities, and international bodies will have more confidence in the authenticity of Nigerian exam results and increased credibility will create better opportunities for students in higher education and employment.
