By Daniel Oluwatobiloba Popoola
The Federal Government has announced plans to introduce a unique Examination Learners’ Identity Number for candidates sitting the Senior School Certificate Examinations (SSCE), as part of renewed efforts to curb examination malpractice and strengthen monitoring across the country.
The initiative, unveiled on Monday, 5 January, 2026, by the Federal Ministry of Education, will apply to candidates of the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), the National Examinations Council (NECO) and the National Board for Arabic and Islamic Studies (NBAIS).
In a statement issued by the Director of Press and Public Relations in the ministry, Folasade Boriowo, the government said the identifier would enable effective tracking of candidates throughout the examination process while enhancing accountability and data management.
According to the ministry, the policy is aimed at addressing long-standing challenges associated with cheating and other irregularities that have undermined the credibility of public examinations.
“This identifier will enable effective tracking of learners throughout the examination process, strengthen monitoring and accountability, and support long-term reforms in assessment, certification, and data management,” the statement said.
The ministry further explained that examination administration would now be conducted under closer supervision, in collaboration with relevant examination bodies, to ensure compliance with ethical standards and global best practices.
“These measures reflect the Federal Government’s resolve to conduct examinations that are credible, fair, and reflective of global best practices, while addressing Nigeria’s unique educational realities,” it added.
As part of the rollout, the government said it would work closely with examination bodies, state governments, school administrators, parents and candidates to ensure the smooth implementation of the new system ahead of the 2026 nationwide examinations.
In addition, the ministry disclosed plans to deploy more technology-driven solutions and stricter administrative controls to further safeguard the integrity of national examinations.
The Federal Government also reiterated its ban on student transfers at the Senior Secondary School Three (SS3) level, warning that the policy would now be strictly enforced to prevent last-minute school changes often linked to examination malpractice.
Meanwhile, the ministry announced that new national guidelines on Continuous Assessment have been developed and approved for immediate implementation.
Under the guidelines, all examination bodies, including WAEC, NECO and NBAIS, are required to comply strictly with standardised submission timelines for assessment records.
“All examination bodies must strictly follow the standardised submission deadlines for each academic period: First Term Continuous Assessment in January, Second Term in April, and Third Term in August,” the statement said.
The ministry noted that the timelines are mandatory and designed to ensure consistency, data integrity and the timely processing of Continuous Assessment records nationwide.
