The National Examinations Council has rejected the allegation that Government Secondary School, Olowa, in Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State, operates as a miracle examination centre.
Five persons connected with the examination centre were abducted on Tuesday. NECO expressed sympathy with the victims and praised the Kogi State Government and security agencies for the joint efforts that led to the rescue of the remaining four victims.
The Council also disputed the statement credited to the Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Hon. Kingsley Fanwo, who reportedly described the school as a miracle centre.
What Has NECO Said About Government Secondary School, Olowa?
NECO stated that Government Secondary School, Olowa, is owned by the Kogi State Government and has existed for over 40 years.
The school has presented candidates for the NECO Senior School Certificate Examination since 2000. Its status as an examination centre, according to the Council's records, is based on its established history and the registration of its students for the examination.
NECO said the available records do not support the claim that the school operates as a miracle centre.
Are the 2026 NECO Candidates Registered Students?
NECO confirmed that the 28 candidates registered by Government Secondary School, Olowa, for the 2026 SSCE are bona fide students of the school.
The Council said they are not external candidates. The school presented them for the examination in conjunction with the Kogi State Government.
NECO stated that its records differ from the impression created by the comments credited to the Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communications.
Who Were the Abducted School Officials?
The principal of Government Secondary School, Olowa, Elder Daniel Iyamaa, was among the persons abducted.
NECO identified him as a Grade Level 17 officer in the Kogi State Civil Service.
The abducted examination supervisor, Mr Solomon Audu, is a Grade Level 12 officer employed by the Kogi State Government. He was posted to Community Secondary School, Effin.
The abducted candidates were also identified as duly registered students of Government Secondary School, Olowa.
How Many Candidates Has the School Presented for NECO?
NECO released the school's SSCE enrolment figures for the past five years and confirmed its registration figure for 2026.
| Examination year | Number of candidates |
|---|---|
| 2026 | 28 |
| 2025 | 20 |
| 2024 | 40 |
| 2023 | 28 |
| 2022 | 20 |
| 2021 | 21 |
These records show that the school has presented candidates for the NECO SSCE across successive examination years.
NECO also stated that the Kogi State Government paid the examination fees of 51 candidates from the same school during the recently concluded 2026 WAEC Senior School Certificate Examination.
What Security Steps Were Taken Before the 2026 NECO SSCE?
The NECO State Coordinator in Kogi State contacted security agencies before the 2026 SSCE began.
The coordinator requested their support and cooperation for the smooth conduct of the examination across the state.
NECO said this request followed the terrorist attack on Government Secondary School, Iluke, in Ijumu Local Government Area during the 2026 WAEC Senior School Certificate Examination.
The Council presented the communication with security agencies as part of the preparations made before the start of its examination.
What Is NECO's Position on Examination Malpractice?
NECO said it maintains zero tolerance for examination malpractice under the leadership of Professor Dantani Ibrahim Wushishi.
The Council has introduced measures aimed at protecting the credibility and integrity of its examinations. According to NECO, these measures have reduced reported cases of examination malpractice during the past five years.
Its statement placed Government Secondary School, Olowa, within the Council's established examination process and candidate registration records.
What Has NECO Asked Public Officials to Do?
NECO called on public officials and other stakeholders to verify information before issuing public statements.
The Council said unverified comments could damage the reputation of public bodies or cause unnecessary anxiety among candidates, parents and members of the public.
NECO maintained that its official records concerning Government Secondary School, Olowa, its staff and the registered candidates provide the facts required to assess the allegation.
