NECO to Fully Adopt Computer-Based Examinations from 2025 SSCE External

The National Examinations Council (NECO) has officially announced that beginning with the November/December 2025 Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) External, candidates will no longer write paper-and-pencil tests, as the body transitions completely to Computer-Based Examinations (CBE). The development aligns with the Federal Government’s earlier directive that both WAEC and NECO must fully migrate to CBE by 2026, signaling the end of the traditional exam system that has defined Nigeria’s secondary school assessments for decades.

In a statement released on Wednesday, NECO disclosed that preparations for the historic transition are in full swing, with privately-owned and institution-based CBT centres set to play a central role in implementing the new system. The examination body explained that this change is intended to improve efficiency, curb malpractices, and bring Nigeria’s secondary school examinations in line with international best practices.

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Strict Standards for CBT Centres

As part of the transition, NECO has invited interested CBT centre operators across the country to apply for accreditation. However, the council stressed that only centres that meet strict technical, security, and infrastructural requirements will be approved.

According to the guidelines, each CBT hall must be equipped with at least 150 functional computer systems or laptops, with an additional 10% backups. These systems must meet minimum specifications, including Intel-based processors, 4GB RAM, SSD storage, Windows 10, and wired LAN connections. Wireless setups will not be accepted to ensure stability during exams.

In addition, each computer system must be connected to a robust server capable of supporting at least 150 systems concurrently. NECO also mandated the use of Gigabit switches, with each centre required to provide two backup switches to avoid disruptions.

The council emphasized the importance of security, requiring centres to be fitted with IP-based CCTV cameras for monitoring, reliable MTN or Airtel internet connectivity, and perimeter fencing with adequate security personnel. Makeshift centres located in cinemas, shopping malls, or markets will not be considered for accreditation.

Facilities and Power Requirements

NECO’s guidelines also placed strong emphasis on the comfort and safety of candidates. Each hall must provide individual cubicles measuring at least 26 inches by 18 inches by 18 inches, fitted with appropriate seating. Air conditioning, adequate lighting, and internal toilets are compulsory.

Centres are also required to have holding rooms or reception facilities where candidates can wait before examinations commence. To ensure reliability, centres must maintain backup power systems, including a minimum 40kva generator and UPS/inverters capable of running all systems for at least three hours.

The examination body made it clear that all cables must be trunked to eliminate exposed wiring, and no wireless CCTV cameras will be accepted. Furthermore, candidates will no longer be permitted to wear wristwatches in examination halls; instead, centres must provide visible wall clocks for timekeeping.

Personnel Integrity and Oversight

NECO underscored that the credibility of its new CBE system will depend heavily on the integrity of personnel. Each centre must employ at least two technical staff and one network engineer to provide support during examinations.

Beyond technical expertise, the council insisted that staff must be “dependable and trustworthy,” stressing that examination security cannot be compromised. The move follows years of concern over malpractice, leakages, and other irregularities that have plagued paper-based examinations in Nigeria.

Benefits of the New System

With the phase-out of paper-and-pencil testing, NECO believes the adoption of computer-based examinations will revolutionize Nigeria’s secondary school assessment system. The council expects the new approach to drastically reduce cases of impersonation, paper leakages, and collusion, while also speeding up the marking process.

Education analysts have also argued that the change will better prepare students for a future dominated by digital skills. Since many Nigerian tertiary institutions already conduct CBT for admission examinations such as the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), the transition at the SSCE level is seen as a natural step forward.

By adopting CBE, NECO aims to align with global practices, as many international testing bodies, including TOEFL, GRE, and IELTS, already rely entirely on computer-based systems.

NECO encouraged CBT operators nationwide to apply for accreditation, describing the initiative as a “new era for Nigerian examinations.” The body noted that only dedicated, year-round CBT centres would be considered, ruling out temporary arrangements.

According to the statement, the council’s ultimate goal is not only to modernize the examination process but also to enhance Nigeria’s global competitiveness in education.

“The National Examinations Council (NECO) has concluded arrangements to migrate from paper pencil to computer-based examination, starting from the 2025 November/December Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) External,” the statement read.

The transition marks a defining moment for Nigeria’s education system, as it ushers in a modern examination process capable of addressing long-standing challenges of credibility and efficiency. By 2026, all WAEC and NECO examinations are expected to be fully computer-based, completing the nationwide shift away from paper assessments.

For candidates, the change represents both a challenge and an opportunity. While it will require basic digital literacy and familiarity with computer systems, it also ensures a fairer, faster, and more transparent assessment system.

As NECO tightens requirements for accredited centres, stakeholders are optimistic that the new era of computer-based examinations will set a higher standard for academic evaluation in Nigeria.