Uncertainty now surrounds the implementation of the proposed 2026 Computer-Based Testing (CBT) format for the National Examinations Council (NECO) examinations following a virtual meeting between the Council and CBT centre owners that ended in a deadlock on Wednesday.
The meeting, held via Zoom on October 9, 2025, had over 450 CBT centre owners and managers in attendance.
What began as a seemingly smooth and interactive engagement soon degenerated into a heated exchange after the NECO consultant, identified as Mr. Temi of MG, announced that ₦1,000 per session had been earmarked as payment for each centre during the exams.
The announcement reportedly angered many participants, who described the amount as “unrealistic” and “unsustainable” given the high cost of running and maintaining CBT facilities.
Several centre managers questioned whether the ₦1,000 fee would cover diesel expenses and other operational costs incurred during both the preparation and conduct of the exams, which typically span several weeks.
In his response, the NECO chairperson, who also attended the session, compared the proposed rate with what other examination bodies currently offer. He, however, insisted that since NECO’s examinations usually last longer, the amount was “reasonable.”
The explanation did little to calm the participants, who continued to express strong reservations about the proposal.
One of the centre owners, who spoke on behalf of others, demanded to know whether NECO had developed a formal working document that would outline the operational guidelines and expectations for the exercise.
In response, the consultant affirmed that such a document would be made available only to centres that successfully complete an “Autobot Test” a prerequisite evaluation exercise scheduled to end on October 16, 2026.
However, multiple CBT operators who spoke to our correspondent after the meeting expressed disappointment and scepticism about the proposed arrangement.
According to one of them, many centres are reluctant to participate because of the low payment and the relatively low turnout of candidates for NECO’s November/December examinations.
“There is little incentive for us to invest time and resources in preparing for a process that may not even be profitable. NECO needs to review its proposal and engage stakeholders meaningfully if it wants to succeed,” one operator said.
The Tribune gathered that several CBT centre owners have begun reconsidering their participation in the exercise, citing poor consultation, cost implications, and the absence of a clearly defined operational framework.
As of press time, NECO had yet to issue an official statement on whether adjustments would be made to the proposed payment structure or timeline for implementation of the computer-based testing model.