FG new steps to curb WAEC, NECO exam malpractice from 2026

The Federal Government of Nigeria has rolled out a fresh set of rules aimed at cutting examination malpractice in WAEC and NECO exams starting from 2026. The goal is simple. Make national exams fair again, harder to cheat, and easier to trust.

This update was shared by the Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, alongside the Minister of State for Education, Suwaiba Said Ahmed. Both confirmed that the Federal Ministry of Education is tightening supervision and changing how exams are prepared and monitored.

FG introduces new steps to curb WAEC, NECO exam malpractice from 2026

Every student gets a different question order

One of the biggest changes is how exam questions will appear. All candidates will still answer the same questions, but the order will be different for each person.

So two students sitting side by side will not see questions laid out the same way. This makes copying answers much harder. It also blocks group cheating plans that rely on question numbers lining up.

Simple idea. Strong effect.

No last-minute school transfers in SSS3

The Ministry has restated a firm rule. Students in Senior Secondary School Three are not allowed to change schools close to exams.

This policy already exists, but enforcement has been weak. From 2026, schools that ignore it may face sanctions. The aim is to stop rushed transfers often linked to exam fraud and fake candidate registrations.

New national Continuous Assessment rules

A new set of Continuous Assessment guidelines will apply across the country. All exam bodies, including West African Examinations Council, National Examinations Council and NBAIS, must follow the same submission calendar.

The approved timelines are:

First term CA: January
Second term CA: April
Third term CA: August

These dates are compulsory. Late uploads or altered records will no longer be accepted. The idea is to keep scores clean, timely, and harder to manipulate.

A single learner ID for every candidate

Another major change is the launch of an Examination Learners’ Identity Number. Each student will have one ID tied to their exam history.

This number will follow candidates across schools and exam years. It helps track irregular entries, stops duplicate registrations, and supports better record keeping long term.

Not flashy. But very effective.

Tighter supervision across all exam centres

The Ministry says exam bodies will work under closer monitoring. Rules will be enforced as written. No shortcuts. No quiet exceptions.

Officials say these steps are meant to reflect global standards while still fitting Nigeria’s school system. Parents, schools, and state governments are expected to cooperate so the changes work as planned.

If all goes as stated, 2026 exams will feel different. Less drama. More trust.

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This post is authored by Olusegun Fapohunda, the founder and editor of MySchoolGist.

Boasting over a decade of expertise in the education sector, Olusegun offers current insights into educational trends, career opportunities, and the latest news.

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