NECO Rejects ‘Miracle Centre’ Allegation Against Kogi School, Says Centre Has Operated Legally for Decades

The National Examinations Council (NECO) has dismissed claims that Government Secondary School, Olowa, in Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State, is a "miracle examination centre," insisting that the school is a duly recognised examination centre with a long history of conducting its examinations.

The clarification comes after comments reportedly made by the Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, describing the school as an unauthorized or "miracle" examination centre following the recent abduction of its principal, a NECO supervisor, and students.

In a statement issued on Friday, NECO expressed sympathy to those affected by the incident and commended the Kogi State Government as well as security agencies for securing the release of the remaining victims.

However, the examination body maintained that the description of the school as a miracle centre was inaccurate.

According to NECO, Government Secondary School, Olowa, is a state-owned institution that has existed for over 40 years and has served as an approved examination centre for the Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) since 2000.

The Council also clarified that the rescued school principal, Elder Daniel Iyamaa, and the abducted examination supervisor, Solomon Audu, are both employees of the Kogi State Government.

NECO further disclosed that all 28 candidates registered by the school for the 2026 NECO Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) are genuine students of the institution and not external candidates.

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To further support its position, the Council noted that the school's student enrolment has remained stable over the past five years. It also revealed that the Kogi State Government sponsored 51 candidates from the school for the 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).

The examination body explained that its Kogi State office had requested additional security before the examination because of previous attacks on schools during external examinations in the area.

Reaffirming its commitment to credible examinations, NECO stated that it operates a zero-tolerance policy on examination malpractice, adding that reforms introduced under the leadership of its Registrar, Prof. Ibrahim Dantani Wushishi, have significantly reduced cases of examination malpractice nationwide.

The Council urged public officials and other stakeholders to verify information before making statements capable of damaging the reputation of institutions or creating unnecessary public concern.

The clarification follows reports that Kogi State Governor Ahmed Usman Ododo recently received the rescued school principal, a NECO official, and two students after they were freed by security operatives during a joint rescue operation.

According to reports, sustained pressure from security personnel forced the kidnappers to abandon their captives and flee, leading to the successful rescue of the victims.