FG introduces learner identity number, updates CA guidelines ahead of 2026 WAEC, NECO

The Federal Government has announced a comprehensive set of reforms aimed at eliminating examination malpractice in the 2026 examinations and beyond, covering the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and the National Examinations Council (NECO).

The measures, unveiled by Maruf Tunji Alausa, Minister of Education, alongside Suwaiba Said Ahmed, Minister of State for Education, are part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the credibility, transparency, and public confidence in Nigeria’s national assessment system.

In a statement signed by Boriowo Folasade, the Director of Press and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Education, the Ministers said the Ministry is intensifying oversight and deploying targeted strategies to safeguard the integrity of public examinations nationwide.

Read also: Tertiary institutions must submit data, financial reports annually – Minister

A major component of the new framework is the introduction of enhanced question randomisation and serialisation mechanisms. Under this system, all candidates will answer the same examination questions, but the sequencing and arrangement will differ for each candidate, ensuring that every student sits a unique version of the examination and significantly reducing opportunities for collusion and cheating.

The Ministry also reaffirmed its strict policy prohibiting the transfer of candidates at the Senior Secondary School Three (SS3) level. According to the statement, this directive, already communicated through an official circular will now be rigorously enforced to curb last-minute school changes often linked to examination malpractice.

“To further ensure transparency, new national Continuous Assessment guidelines have been developed for immediate implementation. All examination bodies (WAEC, NECO, NBAIS etc) must strictly follow the standardized submission deadlines for each academic period: Submission Windows 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 records across the country.

“In addition, the Federal Ministry of Education is introducing a unique Examination Learners’ Identity Number for all candidates. 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 read.

To further strengthen transparency and standardisation, the Federal Government has developed new national Continuous Assessment (CA) guidelines for immediate implementation.

All examination bodies, including WAEC, NECO and the National Board for Arabic and Islamic Studies (NBAIS), are required to strictly adhere to uniform submission deadlines for each academic period.

Under the new guidelines, Continuous Assessment records must be submitted within the following windows: January for First Term, April for Second Term, and August for Third Term. The Ministry noted that these timelines are mandatory and designed to ensure consistency, data integrity, and prompt processing of Continuous Assessment records across the country.

In addition, the Ministry announced the introduction of a unique Examination Learners Identity Number for all candidates. The identifier is expected to enable effective tracking of learners throughout the examination process, enhance monitoring and accountability, and support long-term reforms in assessment, certification, and data management.

The Ministers further assured stakeholders that examination administration will be conducted under strengthened supervision and closer coordination with examination bodies to ensure strict compliance with established guidelines and ethical standards.

They emphasized that the reforms reflect the Federal Government’s resolve to conduct examinations that are credible, fair, and aligned with global best practices, while also addressing Nigeria’s unique educational realities.

The Federal Ministry of Education reaffirmed its commitment to working closely with examination bodies, state governments, school administrators, parents, and candidates to ensure the successful implementation of the new measures and the smooth conduct of the 2026 examinations nationwide.

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