The National Examinations Council (NECO) has refuted allegations labelling Government Secondary School, Olowa, in Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State as a “miracle centre,” affirming that the institution is a recognised public school with a long-standing examination record.
The council made the clarification on Friday in response to claims that emerged following the abduction of five individuals, including examination officials and candidates, during the ongoing 2026 Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE).
In a statement issued by its Acting Director of Information and Public Relations, Azeez Sani, NECO described the allegation as unfounded, stressing that the school is owned by the Kogi State Government and has been in existence for over four decades.
According to the council, the school has consistently presented candidates for its examinations since 2000, countering claims that it operates outside established standards.
NECO also expressed sympathy for those affected by the abduction and acknowledged the efforts of the Kogi State Government and security agencies, which led to the rescue of four of the victims.
The council, however, disagreed with remarks attributed to the Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, who reportedly described the school as a miracle centre. It maintained that available records clearly show that the institution operates legitimately within the state’s education system.
Providing further details, NECO stated that the school’s principal, Elder Daniel Iyamaa, who was among those abducted, is a Grade Level 17 officer in the state civil service, while the external supervisor, Mr. Solomon Audu, is a Grade Level 12 officer employed by the state government.
The examination body emphasised that all 28 candidates presented by the school for the 2026 SSCE are duly registered students and not external candidates, contrary to public claims.
Data released by the council showed consistent participation by the school in recent years, with 21 candidates in 2021, 20 in 2022, 28 in 2023, 40 in 2024 and 20 in 2025.
It further disclosed that the Kogi State Government sponsored 51 candidates from the school for the 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination.
On security measures, NECO revealed that it had taken steps ahead of the examination period by formally engaging security agencies to strengthen protection at examination centres across the state.
The move, it noted, followed an earlier attack on Government Secondary School, Iluke, in Ijumu Local Government Area during the 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination.
Reaffirming its stance on examination integrity, the council stated that it maintains zero tolerance for malpractice and has implemented reforms under its Registrar and Chief Executive, Prof. Dantani Ibrahim Wushishi, which have significantly reduced malpractice cases in recent years.
NECO also urged public officials and stakeholders to verify information before making statements that could undermine public confidence in educational institutions.
The controversy stems from the abduction of the school principal, an external supervisor and students by gunmen during the ongoing SSCE, an incident that has heightened concerns over the safety of examination centres in parts of Kogi State.
Security agencies have since rescued four of the victims, while concerns persist over increasing attacks on schools in the region.
Source: Punch Newspaper
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