The National Examinations Council (NECO) has flagged a worrying rise in examination malpractice following the release of the 2025 SSCE External Candidates results, blacklisting five supervisors and recommending four centers for de-recognition.
Announcing the results on Tuesday at NECO headquarters in Minna, Registrar Prof. Dantani Wushishi disclosed that 9,016 cases of malpractice were recorded this year—a 31% increase from 6,160 cases in 2024. The culprits include five supervisors—two from the Federal Capital Territory, and one each from Kano, Adamawa, and Ondo States—who were implicated for aiding and abetting cheating.
In addition, four centers—two from Niger State, one from Yobe, and one from Kano—were found to have engaged in whole-center malpractice and are set for de-recognition. Prof. Wushishi warned that NECO maintains a zero-tolerance policy and will continue to enforce strict measures to preserve the integrity of its examinations.
While 71.63% of candidates scored five credits and above including English and Mathematics, the Registrar emphasized that the surge in malpractice undermines these achievements. NECO is also calling on stakeholders to support robust supervision and adherence to exam regulations to safeguard fairness.
Prof. Wushishi further revealed that state governments owe NECO over ₦2 billion, highlighting operational challenges in maintaining effective oversight.
“The integrity of our examinations is non-negotiable,” he said. “Those involved in malpractice will face decisive sanctions to protect the credibility of our certificate and the future of candidates.”
NECO Blacklists Supervisors, Derecognizes Centers Over 2025 SSCE Malpractice
