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The Federal Government has drawn a hard line on examination malpractice—and this time, it means business. Beginning in 2026, a new nationwide framework will reshape how WAEC and NECO examinations are conducted, with one clear mission: restore credibility, close cheating loopholes, and rebuild public confidence in Nigeria’s national exams.

The announcement was made by the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, alongside the Minister of State for Education, Suwaiba Said Ahmed. According to them, the Federal Ministry of Education is overhauling supervision methods and tightening controls from question setting to final monitoring.

Bottom line: the old tricks are about to expire.

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Same Questions, Different Order For Every Candidate

One of the boldest changes targets the heart of exam hall cheating. From 2026, candidates will still answer identical questions—but not in the same sequence.

That means two students sharing a desk will no longer be able to rely on matching question numbers. Copying becomes chaotic. Coordinated cheating collapses. Group “strategy” dies instantly.

A quiet tweak. A massive disruption.

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SSS3 School Transfers Slammed Shut

The Ministry has re-emphasized a long-standing but poorly enforced rule: Senior Secondary School Three students cannot switch schools close to final exams.

This time, enforcement will be strict. Schools that flout the directive risk sanctions. The move targets last-minute transfers often used to manipulate registrations or sneak candidates into “special centres.”

In short: no more exam tourism.

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Uniform National Continuous Assessment Calendar Introduced

For the first time, Continuous Assessment will run on a single national timetable across all examination bodies—including WAEC, NECO, and NBAIS.

The approved submission deadlines are now fixed:
    •    First Term: January
    •    Second Term: April
    •    Third Term: August

These timelines are compulsory. Late uploads, backdated scores, or altered records will be rejected outright. The goal is clean data, timely submissions, and zero room for creative accounting.

No excuses. No extensions.

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One Permanent Learner ID For Every Exam Candidate

Another major reform is the introduction of the Examination Learners’ Identity Number.

Each candidate will receive a unique ID that tracks their examination history across schools and years. This single identifier will flag duplicate entries, expose irregular registrations, and strengthen long-term record management.

It’s not glamorous—but it’s powerful.

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Stricter Oversight At Exam Centres Nationwide

The Ministry has also confirmed intensified monitoring across all examination centres. Examination bodies will operate under closer scrutiny, and existing rules will be enforced exactly as written.

No shortcuts. No “special arrangements.” No silent compromises.

Education officials say the reforms align with global best practices while remaining realistic within Nigeria’s system. Parents, schools, and state governments are expected to play their part to ensure smooth implementation.

If these measures hold, 2026 won’t just mark another exam year—it will mark a reset.