Examination body says Government Secondary School, Olowa is a recognised public institution with over four decades of existence, as it refutes claims of examination malpractice following the kidnapping of officials and students during the 2026 SSCE.
By Anthony Momo
ABUJA, Nigeria – July 17, 2026
The National Examinations Council (NECO) has dismissed allegations by the Kogi State Government that Government Secondary School, Olowa, in Dekina Local Government Area, is a “miracle examination centre,” insisting the institution is a legitimate public secondary school with more than four decades of history and a long-standing record of participating in national examinations.
The clarification follows the recent abduction of the school’s principal, an examination supervisor and three students by armed gunmen during the ongoing 2026 Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE)—an incident that drew nationwide concern over the security of candidates and examination officials.
In a strongly worded statement issued on Friday, NECO described the allegation as false, misleading and capable of damaging the reputation of a government-owned institution, while urging public officials to verify facts before making statements on sensitive matters.
NECO Responds to Commissioner’s Allegation
The controversy arose after the Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, reportedly described Government Secondary School, Olowa, as a “miracle centre” in comments made after the kidnapping incident.
The examination body rejected the characterization, maintaining that the school is fully recognised by NECO and has consistently presented candidates for the Senior School Certificate Examination since 2000.
“The Council strongly disagrees with the statement credited to the Honourable Commissioner describing the school as a ‘miracle centre’,” NECO stated.
According to the council, the institution is owned by the Kogi State Government and has been in existence for more than 40 years, making it one of the established public schools in the state.
Kidnapping Incident Sparks National Concern
The dispute comes in the aftermath of Tuesday’s attack during the ongoing SSCE, when armed men abducted:
- The school’s Principal, Elder Daniel Iyamaa;
- Examination Supervisor, Mr. Solomon Audu; and
- Three students sitting for the examination.
NECO expressed sympathy for the victims and commended the Kogi State Government and security agencies for securing the release of the abductees.
The council, however, maintained that the unfortunate security incident should not be used to question the legitimacy of the examination centre without evidence.
School Has Presented Candidates for Over Two Decades
To counter the allegation, NECO released details of the school’s examination history.
According to the council, Government Secondary School, Olowa:
- Has existed for over 40 years;
- Has participated in the NECO SSCE since 2000;
- Is owned and operated by the Kogi State Government; and
- Is officially recognised as a public secondary school.
The examination body also disclosed that the abducted principal is a Grade Level 17 officer in the Kogi State Civil Service, while the kidnapped examination supervisor is a Grade Level 12 teacher employed by the state government and posted to Community Secondary School, Effin.
NECO Defends Candidates’ Registration
Responding to suggestions that the centre may have been used to register non-qualified candidates, NECO insisted that all students registered by the school for the 2026 SSCE are genuine students.
According to official records:
- All 28 candidates presented by the school for the 2026 SSCE are bona fide students.
- None of them were external candidates.
- Their registrations were processed through the Kogi State Government.
The council said its records completely contradict any suggestion that the school operates as a “miracle centre.”
Examination Records Reveal Consistent Enrolment
To reinforce its position, NECO published the school’s SSCE enrolment figures over the past five years:
- 2025: 20 candidates
- 2024: 40 candidates
- 2023: 28 candidates
- 2022: 20 candidates
- 2021: 21 candidates
The council argued that the figures reflect a consistent pattern of enrolment rather than the unusually high registrations often associated with illegal examination centres.
Kogi Government Paid WASSCE Fees for Candidates
NECO further revealed that the Kogi State Government itself paid the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) registration fees for 51 students from the same school in 2026.
The disclosure, according to the council, raises questions about the basis for subsequently describing the institution as an illegal or “miracle” examination centre.
Security Concerns Prompted Earlier Warning
The council disclosed that prior to the commencement of the 2026 SSCE, it had already written to security agencies in Kogi State requesting enhanced protection for examination centres.
The request followed an earlier terrorist attack on Government Secondary School, Iluke, in Ijumu Local Government Area during the 2026 WASSCE.
NECO said the proactive engagement was aimed at preventing disruptions to examinations and protecting candidates, teachers and supervisors.
NECO Reaffirms Zero Tolerance for Examination Malpractice
While defending the school, the examination body reiterated its commitment to maintaining the integrity of public examinations.
According to NECO, under the leadership of Prof. Dantani Ibrahim Wushishi, several reforms have been introduced to combat examination malpractice, resulting in a significant decline in reported cases over the past five years.
The council stressed that it would continue to deploy technology, improved monitoring and stricter enforcement mechanisms to safeguard examination credibility nationwide.
Stakeholders Urged to Verify Facts
NECO cautioned political office holders and public officials against making statements capable of undermining public confidence in educational institutions without proper verification.
The council warned that inaccurate public comments could damage the reputation of schools, create unnecessary anxiety among candidates and parents, and undermine confidence in Nigeria’s examination system.
Education analysts have also urged greater collaboration between governments, examination bodies and security agencies to protect schools from attacks while ensuring that public communication remains factual and responsible.
The disagreement between NECO and the Kogi State Government highlights the delicate balance between addressing security concerns and preserving the credibility of public institutions.
While the kidnapping of examination officials and students has exposed the growing security risks facing Nigeria’s education sector, NECO insists that Government Secondary School, Olowa remains a legitimate public institution and should not be unfairly labelled without credible evidence.
As investigations continue, stakeholders say strengthening school security, improving crisis response and ensuring responsible public communication will be essential to protecting both students and the integrity of Nigeria’s examination system.
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