The Federal Government has introduced a new Examination Learners’ Identity Number aimed at curbing examination malpractice across Nigeria’s secondary school system, beginning from 2026.
The initiative, announced by the Federal Ministry of Education, will apply to all candidates sitting for WAEC, NECO, and other accredited examinations. Education authorities say the move marks a major shift in how examinations are administered, monitored, and validated nationwide.
Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, alongside the Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Sa’id Ahmed, explained that the Examination Learners’ Identity Number, known as ELIN, is designed to strengthen transparency and accountability while making it easier to track candidates throughout their academic journey.
According to the ministers, ELIN will form the backbone of long term reforms in examination administration, certification processes, and national education data management. Each candidate will be uniquely identified, making impersonation, result manipulation, and multiple registrations far more difficult.
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The reform package also includes stricter examination controls, such as wider question randomization and a ban on student transfers at the Senior Secondary School Three level, a practice authorities say has often been exploited to compromise exam integrity.
In addition, the ministry has introduced new Continuous Assessment guidelines with fixed timelines in January, April, and August to ensure uniformity and credibility in academic records submitted for external examinations.
Officials stressed that the success of the reforms will depend on stronger supervision, closer collaboration with examination bodies, and active partnerships with state governments, schools, parents, and candidates.
The Federal Government said the ultimate goal is to restore public confidence in Nigeria’s examination system and ensure that certificates issued in the country are credible, fair, and internationally respected.
