NECO has raised an alarm over a fake Facebook account impersonating its Registrar, Professor Dantani Wushishi, warning the public to steer clear of online fraudsters.
The exam body urged Nigerians to report suspicious activity and rely only on its verified platforms for official updates and services.
The National Examinations Council (NECO) has issued a public warning over a fake Facebook account impersonating its Registrar and Chief Executive, Professor Dantani Wushishi. The council revealed that the fraudulent account is being used by scammers to deceive and extort unsuspecting members of the public.
In an official statement released in Abuja on Sunday, June 1, 2025, the Acting Director of Information and Public Relations, Mr. Azeez Sani, disowned the impersonator account and cautioned the public against engaging with the fraudulent page.
“The Council wishes to alert the public to the existence of this fake Facebook account to prevent individuals from falling victim to these fraudsters,” the statement read.
According to NECO, the impersonators are exploiting the credibility of Professor Wushishi’s name and office to target people, likely offering fake promises or services related to examinations, certificates, or recruitment. The council emphasized that it conducts all official business through its verified platforms and not through personal social media accounts.
Mr. Sani confirmed that the relevant security agencies have been notified of the development, and investigations are underway to apprehend those behind the fake account. “We have reported the issue to the appropriate authorities, and measures are being taken to ensure that the perpetrators face the full weight of the law,” he said.
NECO also urged the public, especially students, parents, and education stakeholders, to remain vigilant and avoid falling for fraudulent schemes online. The council made it clear that real NECO officials will never ask for money or personal details through unofficial channels.
This latest scam highlights a growing trend where fraudsters clone or impersonate public figures and institutions online to swindle unsuspecting Nigerians. Experts have warned that such impersonation schemes can be highly convincing, especially when victims are unaware of official communication protocols.
NECO has encouraged individuals to report suspicious activities or accounts to the council directly or through law enforcement. They also advised users to double-check any social media account claiming affiliation with the council or its leadership and to rely solely on NECO’s official website and verified social media handles for authentic information.
As Nigeria continues to rely more heavily on digital communication, the issue of online impersonation remains a significant challenge. This incident serves as a reminder of the importance of digital awareness, especially when dealing with sensitive sectors like education.
Professor Wushishi, a respected academic and administrator, has not made any personal social media accounts available for public interactions. The council reiterated that any account claiming to represent him on Facebook or any other social media platform is fake and should be reported immediately.
NECO’s proactive response aims to protect the integrity of the institution and shield the public from being exploited under false pretenses.
For further information or to verify any NECO-related inquiry, the public is advised to contact NECO’s official communication channels or visit their website.
