EDUCATION
FG Rolls Out Sweeping Anti-Malpractice Reforms Ahead of 2026 SSCE, Introduces Question Randomisation, Learners’ ID and New Continuous Assessment Timelines
…as Ministers says, Every Candidate Will Write A Different Exam
The Federal Ministry of Education has unveiled a far-reaching set of reforms aimed at tackling the persistent challenge of examination malpractice in Nigerian schools, with particular focus on the Senior Secondary School Examinations (SSCE).
The new measures, announced by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, are designed to strengthen the credibility, integrity, and fairness of national examinations and will take full effect from the 2026 examination season.
According to a statement issued yesterday by Folasade Boriowo, Director of Press and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Education, the reforms represent a comprehensive strategy to eliminate loopholes that have long enabled cheating, collusion, and unethical practices during examinations.
One of the key innovations highlighted by the minister is the introduction of the randomisation and serialisation of examination questions. Under this system, all candidates will answer the same questions, but the sequencing and arrangement of those questions will differ from one candidate to another. This approach, the minister explained, will ensure that each student sits for a unique version of the examination, significantly reducing opportunities for copying and coordinated malpractice within examination halls.
In addition, the ministry will introduce a unique Examination Learners’ Identity Number for all candidates. This identification system is expected to enable effective tracking of learners throughout the examination process, strengthen monitoring and accountability, and support long-term reforms in assessment, certification, and education data management across the country.
Dr. Alausa also stated that examination administration will henceforth be conducted under strengthened supervision and closer coordination with relevant examination bodies. This, he said, is to ensure strict compliance with established guidelines, operational procedures, and ethical standards at all levels of examination conduct.
Emphasising the broader vision behind the reforms, the minister noted that the measures reflect the Federal Government’s firm resolve to conduct examinations that are credible, transparent, and aligned with global best practices, while also responding to Nigeria’s unique educational realities and challenges.
The Minister further reaffirmed the Federal Government’s strict policy prohibiting the transfer of candidates at the Senior Secondary School Three (SS3) level. He stressed that the directive, which has already been communicated through an official circular, will now be rigorously enforced to curb last-minute school changes that are often linked to examination malpractice.
Meanwhile, as part of efforts to deepen transparency and standardisation, the Federal Ministry of Education announced the development of new national Continuous Assessment (CA) guidelines for immediate implementation nationwide.
All recognised examination bodies, including WAEC, NECO and NBAIS, have been directed to strictly adhere to standardised submission deadlines for Continuous Assessment records for each academic period.
It also announced that submission windows are First Term CA: January; Second Term CA: April; Third Term CA: August.
“These timelines are mandatory and designed to ensure consistency, data integrity, and prompt processing of Continuous Assessment (CA) records across the country.
“The Federal Ministry of Education reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with all examination bodies, state governments, school administrators, parents, and candidates to ensure the successful implementation of these strategies and the smooth conduct of the 2026 examinations nationwide.”
Education stakeholders believe the reforms, if effectively implemented, could mark a major turning point in restoring public confidence in Nigeria’s examination system and safeguarding the future of learners across the country.