Nigeria’s National Examinations Council (NECO) has taken a major step to combat cheating in its exams by completely revamping its supervisor recruitment process. In a move designed to enhance transparency and efficiency, NECO has shifted to a digital system for selecting supervisors and assistant supervisors for both the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) and the Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE).
Why It Matters?
This digital transformation aims to eliminate the “sharp practices” that may have plagued the manual recruitment process in the past. By moving online, NECO hopes to ensure a fairer and more rigorous selection process, ultimately leading to more secure and reliable examinations.
Previously, supervisor selection was done manually, raising concerns about potential manipulation and bias. The new digital system streamlines the entire process, generating supervisor nomination forms, appointment letters, and even digital photo albums electronically. Additionally, the system allows for the online swapping of supervisors during exams, further reducing opportunities for misconduct.
This significant change opens the door for qualified teachers holding various credentials, from the Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) to PhDs and professorships, to participate in exam supervision for both internal and external candidates.
Bottom Line
The expectation is that this digital revolution in NECO’s recruitment practices will significantly curb examination malpractices, leading to a more level playing field for students and a more credible evaluation of their academic achievements.
