NECO has announced it will fully adopt Computer-Based Examinations starting with the November/December 2025 SSCE.
The Council says the shift will curb malpractice, speed up results, and align with global standards.
The National Examinations Council (NECO) has confirmed it will phase out the traditional paper-and-pencil method of assessment and switch entirely to Computer-Based Examinations (CBE) beginning with the November/December 2025 Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) External.
The development follows a Federal Government directive issued in July mandating all national examination bodies, including NECO and the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), to transition to computer-based testing by 2026.
In a statement on Tuesday, NECO said it had completed arrangements for the transition and unveiled guidelines for accredited CBE centres. The requirements encompass system specifications, examination hall setup, qualified personnel, and strict security protocols to ensure smooth operations and prevent malpractice.
The Council explained that the November/December 2025 SSCE External will serve as a pilot phase to test the efficiency of the system before extending it to all subsequent examinations in 2026. This phased approach, NECO added, is designed to give schools, candidates, and accredited centres time to adjust to the new system.
By embracing computer-based testing, NECO aims to enhance credibility, reduce cases of examination malpractice, improve efficiency in result processing, and align Nigeria’s assessment system with global best practices.
