National Examinations Council of Nigeria (NECO) has acquired an ultra modern digital scanning machine worth N700 million to ensure quick release of results of its examinations.
The digital scanning machine, which was inaugurated by the Registrar and Chief Executive of the examination body, Professor Dantani Wushishi at the ICT department in Minna yesterday has the capacity to scan 15,000 Optical Mark Recognition (OMR) per hour.
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Speaking at the brief ceremony to unveil the ultra modern digital scanning machine, preparatory to its forthcoming examinations for the year, the Registrar said the acquisition of the machine and its inauguration would further enhance quick release of results of all its examinations.
Professor Wushishi pointed out that the acquisition of the scanning machine was a testament to the commitment of the examination body to deliver world class examinations within the shortest possible time.
Before the acquisition of the new digital scanning machine, the Registrar disclosed that NECO had relied on what he described as “out of fraction and obsolete DRS scanning machine,” capable of scanning only 900 OMR sheets per hour, adding that “this has always affected our timely release of results.”
According to him, the new scanning machine would not only scan the OMR sheets, it would, at the same time, score candidates “and this will help the council to deliver our examinations within the shortest possible time.”
He stated further that already, staff of the organisation from the ICT department have been trained on how to handle and operate the new machine, stressing that “NECO is out to make the difference in the international landscape in the delivery of quality examinations.”
Earlier, the director of ICT, Mr Godwin Usioboh in a brief remark, said NECO recognises the pivotal role, which technology plays in modern educational assessment, adding that acquisition of the digital scanning machine would enhance the efficiency, credibility and security of the examination body’s assessment process.
Mr. Usioboh pointed out that in order to conduct credible examinations, NECO has consistently sought innovative solutions to improve accuracy, speed and reliability in all its examinations processing, adding that “the acquisition and commissioning of the Scantron Insight 1500C machine “is a testament to our commitment to leveraging technology to achieve these goals.”
He explained that the Scantron Insight 1500C is a high performance OMR scanner known for its precision, speed and ability to handle large volume of scripts efficiently, stressing that, “with this addition, we will significantly enhance our data processing capabilities, ensuring faster and more accurate results processing for millions of candidates across the country.”
This, according to him, aligns with NECO’s vision to deliver world class examinations services, while maintaining the integrity of its assessment system.
He, therefore, commended the Registrar for his unwavering support for the ICT driven reforms since his assumption of office, saying his leadership had been instrumental in driving digital transformation within the council.
