The Education Ministry says the SSCE Learners’ Identity Number will strengthen monitoring, accountability and curb examination malpractice from 2026
Abuja, January 6, 2026. The Federal Ministry of Education has approved the introduction of a SSCE Learners’ Identity Number for candidates of the Senior School Certificate Examinations, beginning from 2026, in a decisive move to curb examination malpractice.
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The Director of Press and Public Relations at the ministry, Folasade Boriowo, disclosed the plan in a statement issued on Monday, describing the initiative as a major reform to strengthen monitoring, accountability and integrity in public examinations.
The ministry said the SSCE Learners’ Identity Number would allow authorities to track candidates throughout the examination cycle, from registration to certification, while improving data management across the system.
According to the statement, examination administration will be conducted under tighter supervision in collaboration with examination bodies, including the West African Examinations Council, the National Examinations Council and the National Board for Arabic and Islamic Studies.
The ministry said the collaboration is designed to ensure compliance with ethical standards and align Nigeria’s assessment processes with global best practices.
It added that enhanced question randomisation and serialisation would be introduced, ensuring that each candidate receives a uniquely arranged set of questions, even though the content remains the same.
The ministry issued a stern warning that schools and candidates who violate examination regulations risk sanctions, including disqualification, cancellation of results and withdrawal of examination centre status.
It reaffirmed that the ban on transfers for Senior Secondary School Three students remains in force nationwide.
The statement also confirmed the approval of new national guidelines for Continuous Assessment, requiring schools and examination bodies to submit records within fixed timelines across the academic year.
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Education officials said the reforms form part of a broader effort to restore confidence in Nigeria’s examination system and safeguard the future of learners through transparent and accountable assessment practices.
David Okere is a journalist and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering business, governance, public affairs, and human-interest stories with a commitment to accuracy, balance, and public interest reporting.
