NOUN and NECO Forge Strategic Partnership to Digitalise Result Verification and Curb Malpractice

The National Examination Council (NECO) and National Open University of Nigeria have team up on the verification of results of students who intend to seek admission into the university.

This followed the visit of the NECO Registrar/Chief Executive, Prof. Dantani Wushishi, to the NOUN Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Uduma Oji Uduma, at the headquarters of the university on Tuesday, February 24, 2026 in Abuja.

The visit, as explained by NECO Registrar, was in two folds: first, to congratulate the new Vice-Chancellor on his appointment and to seek collaboration with NOUN as the largest university in sub- saharan Africa by candidate numbers.

He said NECO has developed a software for seamless verification of results, launched two years ago and has verified close to five million results using their e-verify system.

The collaboration with NOUN, according to Prof. Wushishi, will also seek to utilise the NOUN CBT centres for examination services, even as it will help reduce examination malpractice through the use of CBT centres.

The Vice-Chancellor, while responding, expressed his gratitude to Prof. Wushishi and his team and stressed the importance of verification of educational certificates, assuring that NOUN is willing for collaboration.

He thanked the Registrar for acknowledging NOUN’s capacity in CBT exams and ICT.

To show how committed NOUN is willing with the collaboration, Prof. Uduma immediately constituted a committee that will harmonise with NECO officials to finetune the partnership details.

Officials that accompanied the Registrar include: Dr. Ibrahim Peter Alih, SA to the Registrar, Sulieman Adegoke, Director Exams Administration, while on the NOUN side, Principal officers of the university: Prof. Chiedu Mafiana, DVC Academics; Prof. Shehu Adamu, DVC Admin; Prof. Christine Ofulue, DVC TIR; Mr. Oladipo Ajayi, Registrar; Mallam Nasiru Marafa, Bursar and the University Librarian, Prof. Angela Okpala were all present.

Kano State Tops NECO Rankings as Best-Performing State

The National Examination Council (NECO) has confirmed that Kano State is the best-performing state in the 2025 council examinations. According to NECO, Kano ranked first with 5.886% and 39,351 candidates meeting the required standards.

NECO’s clarification comes after a national newspaper reported Abia State as the best-performing state, which NECO deemed misleading. The council emphasized that the report was based on an analysis of candidates’ performance by state rather than the final results and ranking.

Kano State’s top ranking in the NECO examinations highlights the state’s commitment to education and academic excellence.

NECO Rewards Best Candidates, Schools, Staff Nationwide After National Gifted Examination

Master Balogun Farian Ajibola and Miss Iyasei Ifeanyichukwu Victory emerged as the best students in the National Common Entrance Examination, while Mr. Udo Jacob Chimmremeze Godslove Samuel of Diamond Special Schools, Owerri, and Miss Okpala Chukwugozirin Kamtochukwu of Primary School, Nnewi, were adjudged best performers in the National Gifted Examination.

Registrar/Chief Executive Officer of NECO, Professor Dantani Ibrahim Wushishi, announced the awardees, noting that the initiative was designed to inspire excellence, discipline, and commitment among students and staff.

Master Balogun Farian Ajibola and Miss Iyasei Ifeanyichukwu Victory emerged as the best students in the National Common Entrance Examination, while Mr. Udo Jacob Chimmremeze Godslove Samuel of Diamond Special Schools, Owerri, and Miss Okpala Chukwugozirin Kamtochukwu of Primary School, Nnewi, were adjudged best performers in the National Gifted Examination.

In the Basic Education Certificate Examination, Master Charles Bryan Uzoma and Miss Awanbor Omoriyekmwen Claire, both of Igbinedion Education Centre, Benin City, came out tops.

Among staff, Kogi State Coordinator, Mr. Thadeus Ajagbu, was named best state coordinator, while Mr. Ola A. Kareem was honoured as best driver for 2024.

Speaking at the event, Prof. Wushishi said: “This ceremony is not merely about recognizing performance. It is about embedding a culture of discipline, continuous improvement, teamwork, and ethical service in staff and students. Despite challenges, excellence is achievable, and this must reflect in all aspects of our lives.”

He also highlighted some of his administration’s achievements over the last three years, including the successful conduct and timely release of examinations, transparent staff promotion exercises, and the development of ICT software to ensure fairness.

Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly, Alhaji Abdulmalik Sarkin-Daji, commended Prof. Wushishi’s leadership, describing it as exemplary and responsible for NECO’s growing reputation for integrity and credibility.

NECO to Phase Out Traditional Paper-Pencil Exams

The National Examinations Council (NECO) has confirmed that it will phase out the traditional paper-pencil method of examination in favor of Computer-Based Testing (CBT). The CBT exams are set to begin in November 2025.

The council has announced plans to fully transition to CBT for all exams, including essay components, by May or June 2026. This move aligns with the Federal Government’s initiative to adopt full Computer-Based Testing mode by 2026.

NECO has outlined specific requirements for the CBT exams, including the use of photocard for practical papers and strict rules on prohibited items in exam halls. Candidates are expected to familiarize themselves with the new format and requirements to ensure a smooth examination process.

Over 1.3 Million Candidates Sit for 2025 NECO Exams, CBT Introduced

NECO says 1,367,210 candidates are taking the 2025 SSCE nationwide, with Kano topping enrolment at over 137,000 and Kebbi recording the lowest, just above 5,000.

For the first time, the exam features a pilot Computer-Based Testing (CBT) mode in select centres, ahead of a full rollout by 2026.

NECO Registrar, Prof. Dantani Wushishi, said the shift aims to curb malpractice and improve exam quality, while calling for more CBT infrastructure across states.