Minister reveals N3,000 NECO exam question sales

The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, revealed on Thursday, September 3, 2026, that examination questions for the National Examinations Council (NECO) were allegedly sold for as little as N3,000 before candidates sat for the papers. The minister described the extent of examination malpractice in the country as "mindboggling" during a meeting with the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS) and other education stakeholders in Abuja. Dr. Alausa detailed how the integrity of public examinations is being undermined, stating that students who prepare honestly are placed at a disadvantage when others gain illicit access to examination materials. He recounted instances where questions were allegedly obtained before scheduled papers, citing one case where questions were reportedly sold for N3,000. The minister also noted that the name "Wushishi," associated with a former NECO Registrar, was linked to a platform where such questions could allegedly be purchased. During the 2025 examination period, Dr. Alausa said he was repeatedly sent questions that were allegedly obtained ahead of time, requiring verification with examination officials.