NECO Releases 2025 SSCE Results: 60.26% Pass with 5 Credits

The National Examinations Council (NECO) has made public the outcomes of the 2025 Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE internal).

The release came 54 days after the final written test. NECO Registrar Prof. Ibrahim Wushishi shared the details during a press briefing in Minna, Niger State, on Wednesday, September 17, 2025.

Key Performance Statistics

Out of 1,358,339 candidates who took the June/July exam, 818,492—about 60.26%—earned five credits or better, including Mathematics and English Language. When not requiring Math and English, 1,144,496 candidates, or 84.26%, met this benchmark.

Registration included 1,367,210 students: 685,514 males and 681,696 females. Actual participants numbered 1,358,339: 680,292 males and 678,047 females.

Wushishi broke it down: “Registered: 1,367,210 (685,514 males, 681,696 females). Sat: 1,358,339 (680,292 males, 678,047 females). 5 Credits including Math/English: 818,492 (60.26%). 5 Credits regardless: 1,144,496 (84.26%).”

Exam Timeline and Special Needs

The 2025 SSCE internal ran from June 16 to July 25. Among 1,622 candidates with special needs, 586 males and 355 females had hearing impairments, while 111 males and 80 females had visual impairments. Accommodations ensured fair participation.

Drop in Malpractice Cases

Wushishi reported a sharp decline in cheating incidents. Only 3,878 candidates were involved in 2025, down 61.58% from 10,094 in 2024. Thirty-eight schools in 13 states engaged in mass cheating and will face discussions and penalties.

Nine supervisors from Rivers (3), Niger (1), FCT (3), Kano (1), and Osun (1) were recommended for blacklisting due to issues like poor oversight, aiding cheating, tardiness, misconduct, assault, and defiance.

Disruption in Adamawa

In Lamorde Local Government, Adamawa State, communal clashes disrupted exams for eight schools from July 7 to 25. Thirteen subjects and 29 papers were affected. NECO is coordinating with the state government to reschedule for those students.

Streamlined Subjects and Top Performers

Due to the updated curriculum, NECO will now test only 38 subjects in future SSCEs, speeding up result processing. By state, Kano led with 68,159 candidates (5.02%) achieving five credits including Math and English.

Lagos followed with 67,007 (4.93%), and Oyo with 48,742. Gabon had zero qualifiers.

Shift to Computer-Based Testing

NECO is moving from paper-pencil tests to computer-based exams. The first phase involves select public and private schools, aiming for efficiency and modernity in assessments.

Implications for Students

These results impact university admissions and career paths. The improved malpractice figures signal better integrity, while accommodations for special needs promote inclusivity. The subject reduction eases student burdens.

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