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There was tension in Benue State on Saturday as final-year students of Gyutiev Model College allegedly set fire to the residence of their school principal after discovering they were not registered for the 2025 NECO examination, despite paying ₦85,000 each.
TJ News Nigeria gathered that the students, mostly SS3 candidates, had been preparing for their external exams, only to find out that their names were missing from the official National Examinations Council (NECO) list.
Eyewitnesses say the students acted out of anger after multiple attempts to get an explanation from the principal failed. The incident occurred in Gboko Local Government Area and involved over 170 students, according to preliminary reports.
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What Triggered the Arson?
According to a source familiar with the case, each student was required to pay ₦85,000 for NECO registration — a sum reportedly collected by the principal earlier in the academic year.
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However, shortly before the exam date, the students reportedly discovered that no registration was submitted to NECO on their behalf.
“It was when the NECO timetable was released and their names were missing that they began to suspect something was wrong,” said one local resident who spoke on condition of anonymity.
Frustrated and feeling scammed, the students allegedly mobilized and stormed the principal’s residence, setting the property ablaze. No injuries have been reported as of press time.
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Police and School Authorities Yet to Respond
TJ News Nigeria learnt that Benue State Police Command has yet to issue a formal statement regarding the incident. Similarly, efforts to reach school officials or representatives of the Benue State Ministry of Education have so far proved unsuccessful.
Local community leaders have condemned the arson but also called for an urgent investigation into the allegations of exam fraud by the school authorities.
NECO Registration in Nigeria: A High-Stakes Process
The NECO Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (SSCE) is a critical milestone for Nigerian students seeking admission into universities and other tertiary institutions.
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- Failure to register on time can result in students losing an academic year.
- Private schools and principals are expected to register their candidates online through NECO’s official portal.
- Malpractice or fraudulent handling of registration fees is a punishable offence under Nigeria’s education regulations.
Reactions from the Public
The incident has sparked outrage on social media, with many Nigerians condemning both the school administration’s alleged misconduct and the students’ resort to violence.
Some users called on the Benue State government and NECO to launch a joint investigation, while others demanded the arrest of the principal and any staff involved in the alleged scam.
Legal Implications
Legal experts say that:
- The principal, if found guilty, could face charges of obtaining money under false pretence, which carries a heavy penalty under the Advance Fee Fraud Act.
- The students involved in the arson may also be prosecuted for criminal damage, although their ages and status as minors may influence how the case is handled.
What’s Next?
- Community leaders are urging restraint as the investigation unfolds.
- Security has reportedly been tightened around the school premises to prevent further escalation.
- A full statement from the Benue State Ministry of Education is expected in the coming days.
Key Facts you should know
- Incident: Principal’s house burnt by students over failed NECO registration
- Location: Gyutiev Model College, Benue State
- Amount Paid: ₦85,000 per student
- Students Affected: Estimated 170+
- Status: No injuries reported; investigation ongoing
- Authorities: Yet to comment officially
This is a developing story. TJ News Nigeria will provide updates as more information becomes available.
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