The National Examinations Council (NECO) has officially announced the commencement of registration for the 2025 Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) External — an annual exam tailored for private candidates and those outside the formal school system.
This was disclosed in a statement signed by NECO Registrar and Chief Executive, Professor Dantani Ibrahim Wushishi, and shared on the Council’s official channels.
According to the statement, registration began on July 7 and will close on September 18, 2025. Only candidates who have attempted the SSCE Internal examination within the past five years are eligible to apply, underscoring NECO’s push for academic continuity and integrity.
Strict biometric verification to curb impersonation
NECO emphasized the importance of biometric verification in this year’s registration. All candidates must provide a valid National Identification Number (NIN), which will be linked to their biometric data. Fingerprints will be captured offline during registration and re-verified on exam days to ensure authenticity.
“Anyone found with mismatched biometric details will be treated as an impersonator and prosecuted in accordance with Nigerian law,” NECO warned in its statement.
Cost and registration process
The cost of registration has been pegged at ₦40,000. This fee includes essential examination materials, such as a four-digit mathematical table, a waterproof certificate jacket, and service charges. Payment is to be made online through NECO’s official portal (www.neco.gov.ng) using approved payment methods like POS, ATM card, or Remita.
Late registration, which begins on September 19, will attract an additional ₦10,000 penalty.
Candidates are required to complete their registration at accredited cybercafés or NECO offices and must print their photo card after payment. This photo card, which will serve as an entry permit on exam days, must be signed and stamped by an ordained clergyman, senior civil servant, or another authorized official.
Exam schedule and logistics
The 2025 SSCE External examination is scheduled to run from Wednesday, September 29, to Friday, December 19, 2025.
Candidates must choose an exam centre close to their residence, as changing centres afterward will not be permitted. NECO strongly advised arriving at least one hour before the start of each paper to avoid last-minute disruptions.
Additionally, only one correction will be allowed before the exams start. Candidates may correct details such as name, sex, date of birth, subjects, or examination numbers. No changes will be entertained once the examination begins.
Broad range of subjects offered
This year, NECO continues its tradition of providing a diverse range of subjects to cater to various interests and career paths.
Core academic subjects include English Language, Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Literature-in-English, Government, Economics, Geography, and Civic Education.
Candidates may also register for indigenous languages such as Yoruba, Igbo, Hausa, and Arabic, as well as religious studies, including Christian Religious Studies and Islamic Studies.
For business-minded students, options include Financial Accounting, Commerce, Marketing, and Typewriting.
Technical and vocational subjects remain a strong focus, with offerings like Technical Drawing, Auto Mechanics, Welding and Fabrication, Metal Work, Woodwork, Building Construction, Radio, Television and Electronics Works, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration, and Data Processing.
Moving towards digital literacy
In line with evolving global trends, NECO has continued to emphasize digital literacy by including Computer Studies and Data Processing among its subjects. Candidates will also have the option of taking the Computer-Based Test (CBT) format, though those with special needs are required to indicate specific accommodations during registration.
The Council highlighted that this external examination remains crucial for candidates seeking to improve their results, gain admission into tertiary institutions, or fulfill professional certification requirements.
More information
For further details and step-by-step registration guidance, candidates are encouraged to visit NECO’s official website (www.neco.gov.ng) or contact accredited NECO centres nationwide.
