FG Introduces Unique Examination Identity Number to Track WASSCE/NECO Candidates

The Federal Ministry of Education has reiterated plans to introduce a unique Examination Learners’ Identity Number (ELIN) for candidates participating in the Senior School Certificate Examinations, SSCE (WAEC and NECO). 

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The initiative, which was first disclosed to the public in January 2026, is part of a broader strategy to strengthen the integrity of public examinations, improve candidate monitoring, and curb examination malpractice across the country.

According to the ministry, the identity number will serve as a permanent identifier for candidates throughout the examination process, enabling effective tracking and supporting long-term reforms in assessment, certification, and educational data management.

The ministry also announced that examination administration will be subjected to stricter supervision in collaboration with major examination bodies, including the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), National Examinations Council (NECO), and the National Board for Arabic and Islamic Studies (NBAIS), to ensure compliance with ethical and internationally accepted standards.

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As part of the reforms, enhanced question randomisation and serialisation will be introduced. Under the new system, candidates will receive uniquely arranged versions of examination questions while maintaining the same content and level of difficulty.

The ministry warned that schools, examination centres, and candidates found violating examination regulations could face severe sanctions, including disqualification from examinations, cancellation of results, and withdrawal of examination centre accreditation. It also reaffirmed the existing ban on the transfer of SS3 students.

In addition, new national guidelines for Continuous Assessment (CA) have been approved. The guidelines require schools and examination bodies to submit CA records within specified timelines: January for First Term, April for Second Term, and August for Third Term.

The ministry noted that applications and other examination-related processes will be closely monitored to promote transparency, consistency, and accountability at all stages of the examination cycle.

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