The National Examinations Council (NECO) has commenced the 2025 Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (SSCE) with a record enrolment of 1,367,210 candidates across Nigeria. This year marks the Council’s historic implementation of a dual assessment model—Computer-Based Testing (CBT) and traditional Paper and Pencil Testing (PPT)—at selected centres nationwide.
According to NECO’s Registrar, Professor Ibrahim Dantani Wushishi, the candidate breakdown comprises 685,551 males and over 681,300 females. Kano State recorded the highest number of registered candidates with more than 137,000, while Kebbi State had the lowest domestic enrolment, slightly above 5,000. The Nigerian International School in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, had the lowest overall entry with just eight candidates.
Prof. Wushishi disclosed the statistics during a monitoring visit to SASCON International School, Maitama, Abuja—one of the designated pilot CBT centres. The initiative forms part of NECO’s phased transition to fully computerised examinations in alignment with the Federal Government’s directive.
It would be recalled that the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, recently mandated both NECO and WAEC to commence full adoption of CBT for all public examinations by 2026.
Addressing feasibility concerns, Wushishi emphasised NECO’s preparedness to administer examinations through digital platforms despite infrastructure gaps. “As a professional examining body, we are fully capable of deploying CBT modalities. While infrastructure remains a challenge in certain terrains, especially in rural areas, we are confident that with enhanced support from state governments, implementation will be accelerated.”
He noted that the Council is leveraging existing infrastructure within selected Federal Capital Territory schools as part of its pilot programme. “We strongly endorse the shift to CBT. It will significantly reduce examination malpractice and enhance the credibility, global recognition, and quality of our certificates.”
Wushishi reaffirmed NECO’s commitment to continuous innovation, quality assurance, and international credibility, asserting that the Council remains on track to meet the 2026 deadline for full CBT adoption.
