NECO Investigates Mass Exam Cheating in 13 States, Records Drop in Malpractice Cases

The National Examinations Council (NECO) has launched a formal investigation into widespread cheating involving 38 secondary schools across 13 states during the 2025 Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE – Internal).

Speaking in Minna, Niger State, on Wednesday, NECO Registrar Prof. Ibrahim Wushishi said the Council will summon the implicated schools for discussions, after which appropriate penalties will be issued.

Despite the cheating concerns, Wushishi noted a significant drop in overall exam malpractice cases—from 10,094 in 2024 to 3,878 in 2025.

“We are determined to protect the integrity of our examinations. Schools or officials found guilty of malpractice will face firm sanctions,” he warned.

Additionally, nine exam supervisors in states like Rivers, the FCT, Kano, Niger, and Osun were recommended for blacklisting due to misconduct ranging from aiding malpractice to insubordination.

A special case in Lamorde LGA, Adamawa State saw eight schools affected by communal clashes, disrupting 13 subjects and 29 exam papers. NECO is currently working with the Adamawa State Government to reschedule those exams.

2025 SSCE Results at a Glance:

Total candidates registered: 1,367,210

Candidates who sat for the exam: 1,358,339 (680,292 males, 678,047 females)

Candidates with 5 credits including English & Maths: 818,492 (60.26%)

Candidates with 5 credits in any subjects: 1,144,496 (84.26%)

Special Needs Candidates:

Total: 1,622

Hearing impairment: 941

Visual impairment: 191

Top Performing States (5 Credits Incl. English & Maths):

Kano – 68,159 candidates (5.02%)

Lagos – 67,007 (4.93%)

Oyo – 48,742

In contrast, Gabon, one of NECO’s foreign exam centers, recorded zero candidates with five credits including English and Mathematics.

New Reforms Announced:

NECO will now conduct SSCE exams in only 38 subjects, aligning with updates to the national curriculum.

This aims to streamline exam administration and speed up result processing.

Wushishi reaffirmed NECO’s commitment to transparency and strict supervision, vowing to avoid the credibility issues faced by some other exam bodies.

“The reduction in malpractice cases this year shows our resolve. We’ll keep strengthening oversight,” he said.