NECO Refutes Kogi State’s Claims About Olowa Public Secondary School
The National Examinations Council (NECO) has firmly rejected assertions made by the Kogi State government labeling Olowa Public Secondary School in Dekina Local Government Area as a “miracle centre.” These claims surfaced following the abduction of candidates and staff at the institution.
NECO Defends the Integrity of Olowa Public Secondary School
In a statement issued on Friday, Azeez Sani, NECO’s acting director of information and public relations, confirmed the school’s status as a legitimate public institution owned by the Kogi State Government. He emphasized that Olowa Public Secondary School has been involved in administering the Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination (SSCE) for more than 20 years.
Response to Kogi State’s Commissioner
This clarification from NECO followed comments made by Kogi State’s Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Funwo. After the rescue of the abducted individuals, Funwo described the school as a “miracle center” purportedly serving candidates from outside the state.
NECO’s Record of Examination Candidates
Countering these allegations, NECO pointed out that Olowa Public Secondary School has been operational for over 40 years, consistently presenting candidates for the SSCE since 2000. The council confirmed that the 28 students registered by the school for the 2026 SSCE are legitimate enrollees, and not external candidates as implied by the commissioner.
Background of Abducted Individuals
NECO further identified the abducted principal, Elder Daniel Iyamaa, as a Grade 17 employee of the Kogi State Civil Service. Alongside him, proctor Solomon Audu, employed at another public secondary school, was also among those taken hostage.
Commitment to Academic Integrity and Security Measures
NECO highlighted that the school has consistently produced examinees over the years, with recorded participation of 21 candidates in 2021, 20 in 2022, 28 in 2023, 40 in 2024, and 20 in 2025. The Kogi State government has also financed examination fees for 51 candidates preparing for the 2026 West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), reinforcing the school’s credibility.
Calls for Enhanced Security Amid Rising Concerns
Amidst the ongoing concerns regarding security, NECO has called for heightened safety measures at examination centers across Kogi State, particularly due to previous attacks on educational institutions. This most recent controversy followed an armed assault on Olowa Public Secondary School, where gunmen abducted the principal and four students during the examination period, raising serious alarms about the safety of educational environments.
Government’s Assurance Following the Rescue
On Thursday, the Kogi State Government reported that all abducted individuals were successfully rescued thanks to a coordinated effort involving security agencies and local vigilante groups. Following this incident, Funwo reiterated preliminary findings that painted the school as a “miracle center” for external candidates. However, NECO challenged this characterization, reinforcing that Olowa Public Secondary School is a reputable institution with officially registered students and called for accurate information to prevent unwarranted labeling of educational facilities.
