The National Examinations Council (NECO) has dismissed allegations that Government Secondary School, Olowa, in Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State operates as a “miracle centre” for examination malpractice, insisting that the claims are false and unfounded.
In a statement issued by its Director of Information and Public Relations, Azeez Sani, the examination body expressed sympathy for victims of the recent abduction at the school and commended security agencies as well as the Kogi State Government for securing the release of those kidnapped during the incident.
NECO, however, faulted remarks reportedly made by the Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, who allegedly described the school as a “miracle centre,” a term commonly associated with examination malpractice.
The Council maintained that Government Secondary School, Olowa, is a government-owned institution that has been presenting candidates for the Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) since 2000.
According to NECO, the school’s principal, who was among those abducted, is a senior civil servant on Grade Level 17, while the examination supervisor kidnapped during the attack is a Grade Level 12 officer employed by the Kogi State Government.
The examination body also clarified that the 28 candidates registered by the school for the 2026 NECO SSCE are genuine students of the institution and not external candidates, as alleged in some reports.
To reinforce its position, NECO disclosed that the school has consistently presented candidates for its examinations over the years, recording 21 candidates in 2021, 20 in 2022, 28 in 2023, 40 in 2024, and 20 in 2025.
It further revealed that the Kogi State Government sponsored the examination fees of 51 students from the same school during the 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).
NECO stated that prior to the commencement of the 2026 SSCE, it had formally requested enhanced security from relevant agencies in Kogi State to safeguard examination centres, following an earlier terrorist attack on Government Secondary School, Iluke, during the WASSCE.
Reaffirming its commitment to credible examinations, the Council said it maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy against examination malpractice and has introduced reforms that have significantly reduced malpractice cases across the country in recent years.
NECO also urged public officials and stakeholders to verify information before making public statements capable of damaging the reputation of institutions or causing unnecessary public concern.
