By Ghazali Ibrahim
The Federal Government has announced plans to scrap the long-standing National Common Entrance Examination for admission into junior secondary schools, signaling a major shift in Nigeria’s basic education system.
The Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, disclosed that the examination would be replaced with a Continuous Assessment (CA) model that tracks pupils’ academic performance from primary one through to primary six.
According to the minister, the new system is designed to provide a more holistic evaluation of pupils rather than relying on a one-off examination.
He explained that the assessment record would follow each pupil even when transferring between schools, ensuring continuity in academic monitoring.
Alausa also revealed that the government plans to introduce a Learner Identification Number (LIN) for all pupils at the primary level, a move aimed at tracking students’ progress and improving completion rates across the education system.
The development marks a significant departure from the National Common Entrance Examination (NCEE), traditionally conducted by the National Examinations Council for admission into federal unity colleges, which has long served as a competitive gateway for primary school pupils.
In addition, the minister noted that the Federal Government is working to reposition key education initiatives, including plans to move the school feeding programme to the Ministry of Education for better oversight and improved access to public schooling.
The proposed reform is expected to spark debate among education stakeholders, as it seeks to address concerns over exam pressure on young learners while promoting a more consistent and inclusive assessment system.
