JUST IN: NECO Ends Paper-Pencil Exams From 2025, Rolls Out CBT Guidelines
The National Examinations Council (NECO) has announced that starting with the November/December 2025 Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) External, candidates will no longer sit for paper-and-pencil tests, as the body transitions fully to Computer-Based Examinations (CBE).
The Genius Media Nigeria reports that the move is in line with the Federal Government’s earlier directive that both WAEC and NECO should fully adopt computer-based testing by 2026.
Confirming the development in a statement on Wednesday, NECO said it had completed arrangements to phase out the traditional examination format. Privately-owned and institution-based CBT centres are expected to play a crucial role in the nationwide rollout.
NECO outlined tough requirements for accreditation, insisting that only centres with the right facilities and security measures would be approved.
Each examination hall must accommodate at least 150 functional computer systems with 10 percent backups, robust servers, and properly partitioned cubicles.
The halls must also be air-conditioned, have internal toilets, CCTV surveillance with IP cameras, reliable MTN or Airtel internet service, and adequate security. Makeshift halls or shared premises like cinema houses or shopping malls will not be permitted.
Centres are also required to provide backup power, including a minimum 40kva generator and UPS systems with three-hour capacity. Staff integrity was emphasized, with NECO insisting that all personnel, including technical staff, must be dependable and uphold the credibility of the process.
The council has invited interested operators of computer-based centres across the country to apply for accreditation.
NECO
NECO said the shift to CBT is aimed at improving credibility, efficiency, and global competitiveness of Nigeria’s secondary school examinations.
