“They bought the questions before exam” – FG reveals N3,000 NECO leak

The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, has revealed how examination questions were allegedly leaked before candidates sat for NECO papers, with one case involving questions reportedly sold for N3,000.

Alausa made the disclosure on Thursday, September 3, 2026, during a meeting with the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools, NAPPS, and other education stakeholders, where he spoke about the government’s efforts to tackle examination malpractice.

The minister described the level of examination malpractice he encountered as “mind-boggling”, warning that students who prepare honestly are being placed at a disadvantage when others gain access to examination materials before the papers.

Recounting one of the cases, Alausa said the name of former NECO Registrar Ibrahim Wushishi had become associated with a platform where examination questions could allegedly be obtained before the examination.

“They bought his question for N3,000. That was it. Before the examination. They called him Wushishi and bought the questions for N3,000,” he said.

Alausa also recalled his experience during the 2025 examination period, when questions allegedly obtained ahead of scheduled papers were repeatedly sent to him.

He said some of the questions had to be checked with examination officials before they were confirmed as the actual papers candidates were due to sit for that day.

The minister warned that the situation could eventually force students who would normally avoid cheating to join in, simply because they were competing against candidates who had access to leaked questions.

“The danger was that the good students would also become bad,” Alausa said.

He said examination malpractice could not be treated as a problem involving students alone, pointing to parents, teachers, school proprietors, principals and invigilators as part of the wider system that must help stop the practice.