Nigeria’s Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, has raised fresh concerns over examination malpractice, revealing that some National Examinations Council (NECO) questions were allegedly obtained and sold to candidates for as little as N3,000 before the examinations.
Alausa made the disclosure in Abuja during a meeting with the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS) and other education stakeholders.
The minister described the situation as a serious threat to the credibility of Nigeria’s education system, warning that examination malpractice has become deeply rooted across different levels of the sector.
According to him, the problem is not limited to students who cheat. He said parents, teachers, school proprietors, principals and examination officials could also contribute to the problem when they facilitate or tolerate malpractice.
Minister Reveals How NECO Questions Were Sold
Alausa recounted an incident involving examination questions that were allegedly obtained before the scheduled examination and sold for N3,000.
He said the incident demonstrated how easily confidential examination materials could find their way into the hands of candidates before they entered examination halls.
The minister also recalled receiving suspected examination questions during the 2025 examination period.
According to Alausa, some of the materials sent to him were checked with examination authorities, with officials at times confirming that the leaked materials corresponded with questions scheduled for that day’s examination.
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Examination Malpractice Hurts Serious Students
The education minister said the consequences of leaked questions extend beyond individual examination results.
He warned that students who genuinely prepare for examinations could feel pressured to cheat when they discover that others are gaining unfair access to examination materials.
Alausa said this could gradually create a culture in which academic success becomes associated with access to leaked questions rather than hard work and preparation.
He therefore called on parents, schools and other stakeholders to support measures aimed at restoring confidence in public examinations.
Education Ministry Pushes New Examination Measures
Minister of State for Education, Prof Suwaiba Said Ahmad, also urged private school owners to cooperate with the government’s efforts to tackle examination malpractice.
She said the use of serialised examination questions would make it more difficult for candidates to benefit from leaked materials.
Ahmad acknowledged that tighter examination controls could expose weaknesses among students who had previously relied on leaked questions, but urged schools to ensure students are properly prepared.
She also called on schools to complete their curricula on time and encourage students to study consistently.
The education authorities said continued cooperation among schools, parents, teachers and examination bodies would be necessary to address the wider problem of examination malpractice in Nigeria.