By DAYO ADESULU
Council Takes Strong Stance on Examination Malpractice and Identity Theft
The National Examinations Council (NECO) has issued a stern warning to school owners and stakeholders, urging them to refrain from enrolling candidates for its examinations by proxy. This announcement was made in a statement released on Monday, signed by Azeez Sani, the Acting Director of Information and Public Relations.
Concerns Over Identity Theft and Fraud
NECO highlighted that enrolling candidates by proxy often leads to identity theft and the issuance of fraudulent results. The Council emphasized its commitment to eradicating all forms of examination malpractice, which undermines the integrity of the examination process.
Measures to Combat Examination Malpractice
To address these concerns, NECO has implemented several measures designed to prevent impersonation during examinations. These measures include:
– **Biometric Data Capturing Device**: This technology will be used to verify the identity of candidates during examinations.
– **Customized Answer Booklets**: Unique answer booklets will help in tracking and identifying candidates.
– **Embossing of Photographs and Dates of Birth**: Candidates’ photographs and birth dates will be embossed on original certificates to ensure authenticity.
Additionally, NECO introduced the **NECO e-Verify** platform last year, which allows for the online verification of NECO results, further enhancing the credibility of its certificates.
Emphasis on Genuine Registrations
The Council urged State Ministries of Education and school owners to ensure that only the personal details of legitimate candidates are used for registration in NECO-conducted examinations. It warned that any certificate issued by NECO that cannot be verified through the e-Verify platform is considered fake.
Consequences for Impersonation
NECO also revealed that candidates found guilty of impersonation in the recently released 2024 Senior School Certificate Examination Internal had their results withheld. This action is part of NECO’s robust policy aimed at combating examination malpractice and preserving the integrity of its assessments.
Conclusion
NECO’s proactive measures and strict warnings signal a strong commitment to maintaining the integrity of its examinations. By addressing the issues of proxy enrollment and identity theft, the Council aims to ensure that examination results are a true reflection of candidates’ abilities.
