Apply Now: NECO Invites Applications from Operators Amid Transition to CBT Exams
- The National Examinations Council (NECO) has invited applications from CBT operators on Tuesday, August 26, 2025
- This comes amid a migration from pen-and-paper tests to computer-based exams from the 2025 end-year external SSCE
- The Nigerian examination body said interested computer-based centre operators are invited to apply for registration
Legit.ng journalist Adekunle Dada has over 8 years of experience covering basic and tertiary education in Nigeria and worldwide
Minna, Niger state - The National Examinations Council (NECO) has invited applications from Computer-Based Centre Operators after its switch from Pen Paper Tests (PPT) to Computer-Based Examinations.
The examination body also confirmed it would be migrating from paper-based exams to CBTs from the 2025 November/December Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) External.
Source: UGC
NECO has since invited the qualified and interested to apply and register for the post of Computer Based Centre Operators.
The Registrar/Chief Executive, Professor Dantani Ibrahim Wushishi, made this known in a statement issued via the official handle, @Neconigeria, on August 26, 2025.
“Interested Computer-Based Centre Operators are invited to apply for Registration with the Council based on the following criteria: COMPUTER-BASED EXAMINATION (CBE) CENTRE REQUIREMENTS AND GUIDELINES System Requirements.
"1. Minimum of 150 functional Computer Systems/Laptops with 10% (ie, 15) backups with the following minimum specifications: Intel Based processor: Dual-core Celeron/Pentium, Ram: 4GB Ram, HD: SSD Preferred, 32GB minimum, Windows 10, 10/100MB RJ45 Network Port, Browser (Latest versions of Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, or Microsoft Edge).
"2. Minimum 15-inch flat screen Computer monitor for desktop or 17 inches for The computer systems must be connected to a robust computer server with the capacity to carry a minimum of 150 systems concurrently."
Source: Facebook
The statement from NECO further read that, in terms of facilities and personnel requirements, the following was required:
"17. Availability of back-up power supply (power generating set of minimum 40kva for a centre with 250 systems and UPS/inverters that can carry all systems for a minimum of three (3) hours.
"18. Adequate CBE personnel, two technical personnel (2), and one (1) network engineer."
Analyst warns of hurdles in NECO’s CBT move
An education policy analyst, Folaranmi Ajayi, has raised caution over the federal government’s plan to transition NECO examinations to computer-based testing (CBT).
Ajayi, in his opinion shared with Legit.ng, said the federal examination bodies must tread carefully, noting the persistent digital challenges students face:
“From my experience, many students are still struggling with digital skills, and there are many unresolved challenges with JAMB CBT, especially this year’s exam, such as system failure, incomplete questions, questions without diagrams, and incomplete options.”
He further described the uneven readiness across the country:
“Some students are nervous when taking JAMB CBT exams because they are not used to using a computer. Others face problems like poor electricity, broken computer systems, and a lack of internet, especially in rural areas."
Ajayi was clear that the shift to CBT demands more than hardware:
“Switching to CBT is not just about providing computers. It will require proper training for exam officials, updates to systems, and strong planning to prevent cheating and system errors.”
WAEC, NECO: FG announces transition to CBT
Legit.ng earlier reported that the Federal Government had announced plans to begin conducting the SSCE at both public and private Computer-Based Testing (CBT) centres nationwide from 2026.
Education Minister, Dr Tunji Alausa, disclosed this after a successful pilot run by NECO, praising the initiative as a step toward curbing exam malpractice.
The National Assembly also pledged to support the transition, stressing the importance of aligning Nigeria’s education system with global digital practices.
FG gives order to JAMB, WAEC, NECO
Meanwhile, Legit.ng reported that the Federal Government had issued a fresh directive to JAMB, WAEC, NECO, and NABTEB over exam malpractice.
The Minister of Education, Dr Alausa, directed the examination bodies to blacklist CBT centres and candidates found guilty of breaching regulations.
Alausa said schools and CBT centres guilty of malpractice would be derecognised and students would be barred from external exams for three years.
Editorial assistant Ololade Olatimehin provided exclusive commentary from a policy expert for this report.
Proofreading by Bruce Douglas, copy editor at Legit.ng.
Source: Legit.ng
