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NECO acquires biometric machine, vehicles to tackle impersonation

Published

6 years ago

May 31, 2019

Agency Report

In a bid to tackle the challenge of impersonation experienced in the conduct of its examinations, the National Examination Council (NECO) has procured 8,000 biometric machines and 20 Toyota Hilux Vans worth over N800 million to address some of its challenges.

At the commissioning of the equipment in Minna on Friday, the Acting Registrar NECO, Mr Abubakar Gana said the equipment was procured to enhance operations in the areas of logistics and overall security of its examination.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that this procurement makes it the first time NECO is deploying biometrics for the conduct of its Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (SSCE).

In the past, NECO has been making use of scratch cards to register over 51,000 candidates for each of its examinations which had not enable it curb malpractices.

The 8,000 biometrics machine cost the council N500 million while the 20 Toyota Hilux gulp N327,800,000.

Each of the vehicle cost N16,390,000 while a unit of the biometric capture machine cost N62,500.

Gana also noted that about N2 billion was generated through the sale of scratch card to candidates and as such returned same to the Treasury Single Account of the Federal Government.

” The last time the council bought vehicles was in 2013. We have also bought 8,000 units of biometric capture machines, which can verify the identity of candidates, as well as record attendance.

“In the last year, we were able to save money and seek approval from the board and Bureau of Public Procurement (BPP)

” The essence of the biometric is to deal with impersonation to help sanitise the system thereby having quality standards.

” We have been able to utilise our scarce resources and save more to be able to procure the necessary equipment for our operations,” he said.

Meanwhile, Dr Abubakar Saddiq, Board Chairman, NECO said that the procurement of the equipment were necessary as the council had in the past been borrowing vehicles to enable it run its examinations.

Saddiq noted that impersonation had become a major problem in the conduct of its examination, saying that with such procurement, monitoring of examinations will now be smooth.

” Last year, we went to INEC to beg for vehicles to enable us run our examinations.

” We learn from our mistakes and decided that this year we are going to organise a hitch free exam.

” Our exam materials will reach their point in time now, impersonation has become a major problem.

” I monitor exam last year and was not happy because I saw those who did not register but sat for the examination.

” With this improvement, we can now go round with the machine and get to book anyone who impersonate.”

Saddiq explained that the council’s ICT unit would now be improved and effective for the conduct of any of its examination.

He added that NECO was now boastful of a website befitting of any examination standard through its ICT units while promising to upgrade other units of the council.

While commissioning the equipment, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education, Mr Sonny Echono, said the procurement was aimed at boosting the operations of the council.

Echono,who was represented by Mr Abubakar Koko, Director, Human Resources in the ministry, advised the management of the council to ensure that the equipment were well maintained for the benefit of humanity.

He, therefore, assured of the ministry’s continued support and collaboration in all of the council’s projects.

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Featured

Nigeria’s Historic Bid for the 2030 Commonwealth Games: A Call for National and Global Support

Published

5 days ago

September 30, 2025

The Gleamer

Joel Ajayi

Nigeria is poised to make history as it seeks to host the Centenary Commonwealth Games in 2030, a monumental opportunity that promises to transform the nation’s economy, infrastructure, and global standing.

More than a sporting spectacle, the Games would serve as a catalyst for development across multiple sectors, leaving behind a legacy of national pride and sustainable growth.

The benefits of hosting the Games extend far beyond the sports arena. Nigeria stands to gain both empirical and non-empirical advantages, with direct, indirect, and induced impacts that will touch every corner of society. Infrastructural development will take center stage, with new facilities such as indoor sports halls, conference centers, and improved road networks reshaping urban landscapes while strengthening the nation’s capacity to host future international events.

Economic growth is another significant dividend. Over 10,000 jobs are expected to be created, spanning construction, facility management, event planning, and tourism services.

The hospitality industry will undergo major improvements as hotels and resorts are upgraded to meet international standards, while local restaurants, lounges, and tourist attractions will see a surge in patronage from international visitors. Small and medium enterprises, particularly in the transport, finance, and food service sectors, will become some of the greatest beneficiaries, as the Games generate new demand and expand opportunities for local businesses.
The Commonwealth Games will also accelerate the growth of Nigeria’s sports industry.

Investments in training facilities, coaching, and talent development will inspire a new generation of athletes, ensuring long-term benefits that extend beyond 2030, a major focus of the President Bola Tinubu administration.
At the same time, the process of preparing for the Games will create opportunities for Nigerians to learn new crafts, acquire technical skills, and engage in global-standard event management, thereby strengthening human capacity and innovation across industries.

Mallam Shehu Dikko, Chairman of the Nigeria Sports Commission, and Hon. Bukola Olopade, the Director General, have been widely recognized for their tireless and visionary leadership in repositioning Nigeria’s sporting sector.

Their commitment to facilitating infrastructural development and strengthening grassroots sports development has laid the foundation for Nigeria’s bold bid to host the 2030 Commonwealth Games. Under their leadership, the NSC is fostering strategic partnerships and driving innovation in sports administration, they have demonstrated the nation’s readiness to stage an event of such global magnitude.

Beyond the tangible gains, the hosting of the 2030 Commonwealth Games carries profound symbolic value. It would be a moment of unity and pride, a chance for Nigeria to showcase its cultural richness, resilience, and excellence to the world.
As a centenary edition, the Games would stand as a historic milestone not just for the Commonwealth but for Nigeria itself, cementing its place on the global stage as a capable, ambitious, and forward-looking nation.

The gains from hosting the Commonwealth Games can never be undermined or overemphasized. This is Nigeria’s time to step forward and show the world our resilience, and excellence. We call on every Nigerian, across sectors and communities, to support this noble aspiration.

Nigeria’s pursuit of the 2030 Commonwealth Games is a vision for transformation, a blueprint for national development, and a legacy project that will inspire generations to come.

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