FG's 2026 New Continuous Assessment Guidelines to Curb WAEC, NECO Exam Malpractice

In January 2026, the Federal Government unveiled a new national Continuous Assessment (CA) guideline to tackle examination malpractice and strengthen the credibility of public examinations conducted by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), the National Examinations Council (NECO), and other examination bodies.

The development was announced in a statement signed by Boriowo Folasade, Director of Press and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Education.

According to the Ministry, the new guideline forms part of ongoing reforms designed to improve transparency, accountability, and public confidence in Nigeria’s examination system.

The Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, and the Honourable Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Said Ahmed, stated that the government is intensifying efforts to protect the integrity of national examinations through stricter oversight and improved assessment processes.

One of the major reforms introduced is the adoption of enhanced question randomisation and serialisation mechanisms during examinations.

"Among the key measures is the introduction of enhanced question randomisation and serialisation mechanisms. While all candidates will answer the same examination questions, the sequencing and arrangement will differ for each candidate, ensuring that every student writes a unique version of the examination and significantly reducing opportunities for collusion."

The Ministry also reiterated its ban on the transfer of candidates at the Senior Secondary School Three (SS3) level, noting that the policy will be strictly enforced nationwide.

"The Ministry also reaffirmed its strict policy prohibiting the transfer of candidates at the Senior Secondary School Three (SS3) level. This directive, already communicated through an official circular, will be rigorously enforced to prevent last-minute school changes often associated with examination malpractice."

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To improve transparency and standardisation, the Federal Government has developed a new national Continuous Assessment framework for immediate implementation across all examination bodies, including WAEC, NECO, NBAIS, and others.

Under the new guideline, schools and examination bodies must comply with standardised Continuous Assessment submission timelines. The approved submission windows are:

• First Term Continuous Assessment – January

• Second Term Continuous Assessment – April

• Third Term Continuous Assessment – August

The Ministry explained that adherence to these deadlines is mandatory to ensure consistency, data integrity, and timely processing of assessment records nationwide.

Another key feature of the reform is the introduction of a unique Examination Learners’ Identity Number for every candidate.

According to the Ministry, the new identifier will help track candidates throughout the examination process, improve accountability, strengthen monitoring systems, and support long-term reforms in assessment, certification, and educational data management.

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The Ministers further assured stakeholders that examination administration across the country will be conducted under stricter supervision and in close collaboration with relevant examination bodies to ensure full compliance with established regulations and ethical standards.

They noted that the reforms demonstrate the Federal Government’s commitment to conducting examinations that are credible, fair, and aligned with global best practices while addressing the specific challenges facing Nigeria’s education sector.

The Ministry also reaffirmed its commitment to working with examination bodies, state governments, school administrators, parents, and candidates to ensure the successful implementation of the new measures and the smooth conduct of the 2026 examination cycle nationwide.