The National Examinations Council (NECO) is embarking on a transformative journey by phasing out the traditional paper-pencil method for its examinations. Starting with the November/December 2025 Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) External, all NECO exams will transition to a fully computer-based testing (CBT) system.
This shift, in line with the Federal Government’s directive to deploy both privately-owned and public CBT centres for school-based SSCEs by 2026, marks a new era in Nigeria’s educational system. For CBT centre operators, this is a wake-up call.
However, the bar is high. NECO has outlined stringent requirements for registration, ensuring that only facilities meeting rigorous technical, infrastructural, and security standards can participate. Here’s a closer look at what it takes to become a NECO-approved CBT centre, along with data and insights into the implications of this major transition.
NECO’s decision to fully embrace computer-based testing reflects a growing global trend in examination systems. According to a 2023 report by the International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement, over 60% of developed nations have adopted CBT for high-stakes exams, citing benefits such as faster result processing, reduced cheating, and enhanced accessibility. Nigeria, with over 1.5 million candidates sitting for NECO’s SSCE annually, is aiming to modernize its examination processes. However, this transition will require robust infrastructure and preparation.
In a statement issued on Wednesday, NECO confirmed: “The National Examinations Council (NECO) has concluded arrangements to migrate from paper-pencil to computer-based examinations, starting from the 2025 November/December Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) External.”
This monumental change means CBT centres across the country must meet precise standards to ensure a secure, reliable, and credible examination process.
To qualify as a NECO-approved CBT centre, facilities must meet specific technical and infrastructural specifications. Centres must have a minimum of 150 functional computer systems or laptops, with an additional 10% (15 units) as backups. These systems must meet certain technical requirements, including:
Processors: Intel-based dual-core Celeron or Pentium processors
RAM: Minimum of 4GB
Storage: At least 32GB SSD hard drive
Operating System: Windows 10 or higher
Browsers: Latest versions of Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, or Microsoft Edge
Monitors: 15-inch flat-screen monitors for desktops or 17-inch for laptops
Additionally, the systems must be connected to a robust server capable of handling 150 computers simultaneously, linked via a wired star topology Cable Local Area Network (LAN). Wireless connections are explicitly prohibited to prevent connectivity issues.
NECO emphasized, “Wireless computer connections are not allowed,” underscoring the need for reliable and uninterrupted service. Centres must also install gigabit switches, with two backup switches, and ensure that all systems are protected by up-to-date antivirus software.
Technical issues in computer-based testing (CBT) systems are a significant concern worldwide, as disruptions can severely affect the fairness and reliability of the examination process. A 2016 report by FairTest revealed that over 30 U.S. states experienced CBT malfunctions between 2013 and 2016, with notable disruptions in Tennessee and Florida during the 2019 testing season, causing delays and confusion for test-takers. Similarly, a 2013 report by Education Week highlighted that technical problems during online testing in Minnesota affected up to 5,000 students across 48 districts.
These incidents underscore the critical need for reliable infrastructure in CBT systems. NECO’s insistence on using wired LAN connections and implementing backup systems is a proactive step to ensure that candidates experience minimal technical disruptions during exams. These measures are designed to eliminate common issues such as server crashes or connectivity problems, ensuring a seamless and uninterrupted testing experience.
The examination hall itself must adhere to specific standards to ensure comfort and security for the candidates. Each computer must be placed in an individual cubicle measuring at least 26 inches long, 18 inches wide, and 18 inches high, with an appropriate seat. Air-conditioned halls and adequate lighting are mandatory for a conducive examination environment. Additionally, NECO requires visible wall clocks, as candidates will no longer be allowed to bring wristwatches into the hall, further reducing the risk of cheating.
Security is a top priority. Centres must install a cabled CCTV network with IP cameras for real-time monitoring. NECO stressed that “The CCTV must be cabled; no wireless CCTV will be allowed,” underscoring the importance of continuous, uninterrupted surveillance. All cables must be trunked to avoid exposed or dangling wires, and centres must have strong network signals from either MTN or Airtel to support the online components of the CBT system.
Furthermore, makeshift or shared premises, such as cinema halls or shopping malls, are not allowed. NECO emphasized, “Make-shift CBT centres are not allowed; all centres must therefore be dedicated CBT centres that are used and maintained as such all year round.”
The challenges faced by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) during the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) highlight the critical need for purpose-built, regularly maintained CBT centres. In this instance, a technical oversight led to discrepancies in the examination process when a critical software update was not deployed across all server clusters. This resulted in issues at 157 CBT centres, especially in Lagos and the South-East, affecting over 380,000 candidates.
As a result, JAMB delisted 113 centres for various infractions and conducted a mop-up examination for over 96,000 affected candidates. This incident highlighted the importance of ensuring that CBT centres are not only purpose-built but also regularly maintained and equipped with updated technology.
Power Supply and Backup Systems
In Nigeria, where power outages are frequent, NECO places significant emphasis on the availability of backup power systems at examination centres. All centres must be equipped with a reliable backup power supply, including a minimum 40kVA generator and UPS/inverters capable of supporting all systems for at least three hours. This is essential given the country’s ongoing electricity challenges.
According to a 2025 report by the National Bureau of Statistics, 60% of Nigerian businesses rely on generators due to the unreliable national power grid. NECO’s backup power system requirement ensures that examinations will proceed smoothly, even in the event of a power failure, safeguarding the integrity of the process.
Centres must also provide internal toilets, a holding room or reception facility (such as a canopy with chairs), and adequate fencing with security personnel to prevent unauthorized access. NECO mandates the presence of “adequate security personnel of the CBE Facilities” to safeguard both candidates and equipment.
Personnel requirements are equally stringent. Centres must employ at least two technical staff members and one network engineer, all of whom must be “dependable and trustworthy.” NECO stresses that the personnel responsible for managing these CBT centres must be individuals of high integrity to maintain the credibility of the examination process. This requirement comes in response to previous concerns about examination malpractice.
A 2023 NECO report revealed that 12,030 candidates were involved in examination malpractices during the SSCE, highlighting the need for trustworthy and competent staff in handling such important processes.
While the shift to CBT presents numerous benefits, it also comes with significant challenges. The requirement for a minimum of 150 computers and sophisticated infrastructure could exclude smaller or rural-based CBT centres, limiting access for students in underserved areas. The digital divide in Nigeria remains a significant obstacle, with only 25% of rural Nigerians having access to reliable internet and just 35% of schools having functional computer labs, according to a 2024 World Bank report.
NECO’s reliance on telecom providers such as MTN and Airtel for connectivity may further complicate matters in regions with poor network coverage. Despite these challenges, NECO’s CBT shift presents opportunities to improve Nigeria’s educational infrastructure, benefiting the sector beyond just examinations.
With over 1.5 million candidates annually, NECO’s CBT initiative is expected to drive demand for quality testing facilities. CBT centre operators that meet NECO’s standards will gain credibility, establish a reliable revenue stream, and potentially contribute to the growth of Nigeria’s digital literacy rate.
The Federal Government’s plan to extend CBT to school-based SSCEs by 2026 will further expand the market, providing additional opportunities for well-prepared operators.
