SSCE to go Digital : Federal Ministry of Education Announces Major Overhaul

The  Federal Ministry of Education has unveiled plans to revolutionize the Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (SSCE) system by transitioning to a fully computer-based format by 2027. This move aims to modernize the examination process, combat malpractice, and enhance the credibility of the assessment system.

Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, announced this initiative during the inauguration of a committee tasked with improving examination quality in the country. The committee, chaired by JAMB registrar Ishaq Oloyede, will oversee efforts to standardize practices, address examination fraud, and boost the assessment system's credibility.

Alausa emphasized that examination malpractice is a systemic issue involving multiple stakeholders, including students, parents, teachers, and supervisors. To address this, the ministry will introduce robust monitoring and regulation, leveraging technology to improve examination integrity.

The ministry plans to introduce three key identifiers on examination certificates, including national identification numbers, photos, and birthdates, to ensure authenticity and combat identity theft. Additionally, efforts to eliminate leakages and local swapping of candidates during examinations will be strengthened. The ministry will also focus on human capital development, increasing funding for education to underpin the reforms.

The ministry has mandated examination bodies like WAEC, NECO, and NAPTEB to adopt these measures in their upcoming examinations. By transitioning to a computer-based system and implementing stricter measures, the ministry aims to uphold the credibility of Nigeria's examination process and create a level playing field for all students.