NECO denies Kogi school is a “miracle centre” following abductions

The National Examinations Council (NECO) has firmly denied allegations labeling Government Secondary School, Olowa, in Kogi State, as a "miracle centre." This clarification comes in response to claims made following the abduction of five individuals, including examination officials and candidates, during the ongoing 2026 Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE).

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The National Examinations Council categorically denies the allegation that the examination centre at Government Secondary School, Olowa, Dekina Local Government Area of Kogi State, where five persons were abducted on Tuesday, is a ‘miracle centre’.

In a statement, NECO defended the integrity of the examination center, emphasizing that Government Secondary School, Olowa, is a legitimate public institution owned by the Kogi State Government and has been in operation for over four decades. The council highlighted that the school has consistently presented candidates for the SSCE since the year 2000, spanning 26 years.

While expressing sympathy for the victims of the recent abduction, NECO commended the Kogi State Government and security agencies for their efforts in securing the release of four of the abducted individuals. However, the council disagreed with comments reportedly made by the Kogi State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Kingsley Fanwo, who allegedly described the school as a "miracle centre."

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The Council sympathises with the victims and commends the Kogi State Government and the security agencies for their coordinated efforts, which have led to the rescue of the remaining four victims from captivity.

NECO provided further details to support its position, noting that the school's principal, Elder Daniel Iyamaa, is a Grade Level 17 officer, and the kidnapped external supervisor, Mr. Solomon Audu, is a Grade Level 12 officer. The council also asserted that all 28 candidates registered by the school for the 2026 SSCE are duly enrolled students and not external candidates, contrary to any impression created otherwise.

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The Council’s records further indicate that the 28 candidates registered by the school for the 2026 SSCE are bona fide students and not external candidates, contrary to the impression created by the Honourable Commissioner.