Final-Year Students of Gyutiev Model College in Benue State Burn Principal’s House Over Alleged NECO Registration Fraud

By Emmanuel Kwada

Final-year students of Gyutiev Model College in Saghev Ward, Guma Local Government Area, Benue State, have set ablaze the residence of their principal, Mr. Isaac Yina, in the early hours of Friday, June 27, 2025.

The students’ drastic action stems from allegations that the principal failed to register them for the 2025 National Examinations Council (NECO) Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (SSCE), despite collecting N85,000 from each of the 178 affected students.

The sum, totaling over N15 million for the 178 students, was meant to cover registration costs for the examination, which is conducted annually in June/July and November/December

According to reports, the students discovered that their registration for the critical NECO examination, a prerequisite for tertiary education in Nigeria, was not processed, despite the substantial fees paid to the school. The sum, totaling over N15 million for the 178 students, was meant to cover registration costs for the examination, which is conducted annually in June/July and November/December.

The students’ outrage boiled over when they learned they might miss the opportunity to sit for the exam, jeopardizing their academic futures.

The incident has sent shockwaves through the local community, with residents expressing mixed sentiments. Some sympathize with the students’ plight, citing the high stakes of the NECO exams, while others condemn the act of arson as an extreme response.

“This is a terrible situation,” said a local resident, who requested anonymity. “The students are understandably angry, but burning a house is not the solution. Justice must be served through proper channels.”

The Benue State Police Command has yet to receive an official report on the incident, according to Public Relations Officer Udeme Edet, who spoke to Daily Post Nigeria. “When I find out, I will let you know,” Edet assured, indicating that investigations may soon be underway to address the allegations and the arson.

When I find out, I will let you know

This incident is not the first of its kind in Benue State. In 2021, suspected SS3 students of Government Secondary School in Tse-Agberagba, Konshisha Local Government Area, set their school ablaze over a similar issue involving unregistered candidates for the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) exams. That incident led to the suspension of the school’s principal and significant property damage, including certificates and academic records.

The failure to register students for such a critical examination raises serious questions about accountability and transparency in school administration.

As the situation unfolds, stakeholders are calling for swift action from the Benue State Education Quality Assurance Agency (BEQA) and the state government to investigate the allegations against Mr. Yina and ensure justice for the affected students.

The state has previously cracked down on corruption and malpractice in schools, with the BEQA reporting in 2024 that it had eliminated “miracle centres” notorious for facilitating exam malpractices.