NECO question papers were sold for ₦3,000 before exams — Minister

The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, disclosed that examination questions were allegedly purchased for ₦3,000 before the National Examinations Council (NECO) exams, exposing the extent of examination malpractice in Nigeria as "mind-boggling." Speaking at a meeting with stakeholders in the education sector, Alausa warned all parties involved in the education system to refrain from practices that could compromise the integrity of public examinations.

He revealed that the issue of examination malpractice had been tolerated for years in Nigeria, creating an unfair system that disadvantaged students who prepared genuinely by giving an advantage to those with access to leaked questions. The minister emphasized that the situation posed a significant risk, as it could even compel honest students to engage in malpractice as they competed with those who had access to the examination materials beforehand.

He recalled his experience during the 2025 exams, where he was regularly sent leaked questions before the tests. The minister highlighted that examination malpractice was not solely a student problem but required the entire education ecosystem to take responsibility in preventing the practice. He stressed the importance of parents, schools, teachers, invigilators, and principals playing their part in deterring candidates from gaining unauthorized access to examination materials.

Alausa assured that the Federal Government would strengthen measures to uphold the integrity of public examinations and ensure that academic qualifications accurately reflect genuine learning and merit. The reforms aimed to restore standards and reposition Nigeria's education system, aligning with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's broader efforts to transform the country.