SSCE candidates to get examination identity numbers from 2026 – FG

The Federal Ministry of Education has announced plans to introduce a dedicated Examination Learners’ Identity Number for candidates sitting the Senior School Certificate Examinations (SSCE) beginning from 2026.

The ministry said the initiative is part of broader efforts to strengthen monitoring, improve accountability and curb examination malpractice across the country.

In a statement issued on Monday, the Director of Press and Public Relations, Folasade Boriowo, explained that the new identity number will allow authorities to effectively track candidates throughout the examination cycle, while supporting long-term reforms in assessment, certification and data management.

According to the statement, the conduct of national examinations will now be subjected to closer supervision in collaboration with key examination bodies, including the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), the National Examinations Council (NECO) and the National Board for Arabic and Islamic Studies (NBAIS).

The ministry disclosed that enhanced question randomisation and serialisation would also be implemented. Under the system, each candidate will receive a uniquely arranged set of questions, although the examination content will remain uniform.

It warned that schools and students found violating examination regulations risk severe sanctions, including disqualification from examinations, cancellation of results and withdrawal of examination centre approval. The ministry also reaffirmed its standing ban on the transfer of SS3 students.

In addition, new national guidelines for Continuous Assessment (CA) have been approved. Under the policy, all schools and examination bodies are required to submit CA records within fixed timelines — First Term in January, Second Term in April and Third Term in August.

The ministry stressed that applications and all examination-related processes will be closely monitored to ensure transparency, consistency and integrity at every stage of the nation’s examination system.