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FG introduces learner identity number, updates CA guidelines ahead of 2026 WAEC, NECO
The Federal Government has announced a comprehensive set of reforms aimed at eliminating examination malpractice in the 2026 examinations and beyond, covering the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and the National Examinations Council (NECO).
The measures, unveiled by Maruf Tunji Alausa, Minister of Education, alongside Suwaiba Said Ahmed, Minister of State for Education, are part of ongoing efforts to strengthen the credibility, transparency, and public confidence in Nigeria’s national assessment system.
In a statement signed by Boriowo Folasade, the Director of Press and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Education, the Ministers said the Ministry is intensifying oversight and deploying targeted strategies to safeguard the integrity of public examinations nationwide.
A major component of the new framework is the introduction of enhanced question randomisation and serialisation mechanisms. Under this system, all candidates will answer the same examination questions, but the sequencing and arrangement will differ for each candidate, ensuring that every student sits a unique version of the examination and significantly reducing opportunities for collusion and cheating.
The Ministry also reaffirmed its strict policy prohibiting the transfer of candidates at the Senior Secondary School Three (SS3) level. According to the statement, this directive, already communicated through an official circular will now be rigorously enforced to curb last-minute school changes often linked to examination malpractice.
“To further ensure transparency, new national Continuous Assessment guidelines have been developed for immediate implementation. All examination bodies (WAEC, NECO, NBAIS etc) must strictly follow the standardized submission deadlines for each academic period: Submission Windows
First Term CA: January
Second Term CA: April
Third Term CA: August
“These timelines are mandatory and designed to ensure consistency, data integrity, and prompt processing of Continuous Assessment records across the country.
“In addition, the Federal Ministry of Education is introducing a unique Examination Learners’ Identity Number for all candidates. This identifier will enable effective tracking of learners throughout the examination process, strengthen monitoring and accountability, and support long-term reforms in assessment, certification, and data management,” the statement read.
To further strengthen transparency and standardisation, the Federal Government has developed new national Continuous Assessment (CA) guidelines for immediate implementation.
All examination bodies, including WAEC, NECO and the National Board for Arabic and Islamic Studies (NBAIS), are required to strictly adhere to uniform submission deadlines for each academic period.
Under the new guidelines, Continuous Assessment records must be submitted within the following windows: January for First Term, April for Second Term, and August for Third Term. The Ministry noted that these timelines are mandatory and designed to ensure consistency, data integrity, and prompt processing of Continuous Assessment records across the country.
In addition, the Ministry announced the introduction of a unique Examination Learners Identity Number for all candidates. The identifier is expected to enable effective tracking of learners throughout the examination process, enhance monitoring and accountability, and support long-term reforms in assessment, certification, and data management.
The Ministers further assured stakeholders that examination administration will be conducted under strengthened supervision and closer coordination with examination bodies to ensure strict compliance with established guidelines and ethical standards.
They emphasized that the reforms reflect the Federal Government’s resolve to conduct examinations that are credible, fair, and aligned with global best practices, while also addressing Nigeria’s unique educational realities.
The Federal Ministry of Education reaffirmed its commitment to working closely 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 examinations nationwide.
Iran has carried out the execution of two individuals accused of collaborating with Israeli intelligence, according to an official statement from the country’s judiciary.
Authorities said the two men were convicted on charges of espionage linked to Mossad, and were found guilty of working with what officials described as a hostile intelligence network operating within Iran.
According to the judiciary, the suspects had been under investigation for activities considered detrimental to national security.
Their death sentences were subsequently upheld by the country’s Supreme Court prior to being enforced.
The executions were confirmed on April 20, 2026, although officials did not provide specific details regarding the exact time or location.
Iranian authorities stated that the case is part of ongoing efforts to counter and dismantle foreign intelligence operations within its borders.
There has been no independent confirmation of the allegations, and Israeli authorities have not issued any immediate response.
The incident reflects the persistent strain in relations between the two countries, with Iran frequently reporting the uncovering of alleged espionage networks tied to Israeli operatives.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved the establishment of a new campus of the Police Academy in Erinja, Yewa South Local Government Area in Ogun State.
President Tinubu also approved a special take-off grant of N15billion for the college.
The President’s approval was in fulfilment of the provisions of the Nigeria Police Academy (Establishment) Act, 2021, particularly with respect to the expansion of the Police Academy based in Wudil, Kano state, into multiple campuses across the country.
The intervention fund will be sourced from the TetFund 2026 allocation to finance priority infrastructure, academic facilities, student accommodation, and core training assets.
A high-level consultative meeting involving the Minister of Police Affairs, the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, officials of the Federal Ministry of Education, the Inspector-General of Police and the Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC) recommended the siting of the new campus in Erinja.
The meeting considered student intake capacity, funding realities, academic quality assurance, and the long-term needs of the Nigerian Police Force, which is currently recruiting more men.
President Tinubu believes the expansion will strengthen institutional governance, modern policing education and national security.
The People’s Democratic Party (PDP), South West Zone, has disowned a press conference purportedly held in Ibadan on Monday, which claimed that the zone had condemned the former governor of Ekiti State, Ayodele Fayose, declared support for Governor Makinde of Oyo State and loyalty to a Turaki-led National Working Committee.
In a statement issued on Monday, the Zonal Publicity Secretary, Akinloye Oyeniyi, described the event as the work of organised impostors who do not represent the party at any level.
“The Zonal Chairman, Engr. Deji Doherty, was away in Abuja attending the 108th meeting of the National Executive Committee of our great party and no zonal officials held any press conference. The claim of an Ibadan press conference is therefore a barefaced lie,” Oyeniyi said.
The statement said those behind the Ibadan gathering do not speak for the party, hold no mandate, and are not recognised by any organ of the PDP from ward to national level.
Oyeniyi further said the illegality of the group was very pronounced, noting that they do not even have a Zonal Vice Chairman, which is very significant for any structure claiming to speak for the PDP South West.
“These are the ones whose agenda was to destabilise the party but they failed. Looking at them, one could see that their group is now a psychiatric ward with no staff. Destabilising elements always end up as wanderers. Karma never forgets, and wickedness by default carries consequences too,” the statement read.
According to Oyeniyi, “these ones slung toboggan, and now the stones are expectedly raining on them, and their current noise and theatrics will not substitute for acceptance by party members or the public.”
The PDP South West said its loyalty to the Abdulrahman-led National Working Committee and the National Leader, His Excellency Nyesom Wike remains unalloyed and also advised the impostors to retrace their steps and rejoin the party through the proper channels, rather than constituting themselves into a nuisance, as no amount of media stunts or paid propaganda will confer any legitimacy on illegitimacy.
He urged the general public, party faithful, and the media to disregard the publication, stating that official communications of the PDP South West Zone would continue to come only through recognised party channels in the zone under the leadership of Engr. Deji Doherty.
Iran executes two men over spying for Israel
Tinubu approves N15bn take off grant for new police academy
PDP South West Disowns Ibadan Press Conference, Calls Organisers Criminal Impostors
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