Over 64,000 Candidates Sit for NECO Common Entrance Across Nigeria, West Africa

More than 64,000 candidates from Nigeria, Benin Republic, and Togo participated in the 2025 National Common Entrance Examination (NCEE) into Federal Government Colleges, according to the National Examinations Council (NECO).

Speaking after monitoring the exercise in Abuja at Model Secondary School, Maitama, and Government Secondary School, Tudun Wada, Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Ahmad, expressed satisfaction with the smooth conduct of the exam.

“I’m very pleased with how the process was handled — early start, orderly conduct, and active participation by invigilators. The 64,000 candidates, including 30,000 boys and 34,000 girls, show the strong public interest in our unity colleges,” she said.

Prof. Ahmad described the turnout as a reflection of sustained trust in federal unity schools as instruments of national cohesion.

NECO Registrar, Prof. Ibrahim Wushishi, disclosed that Lagos State led with over 15,000 candidates, while Togo had the lowest number with just 17 applicants, all of whom are Nigerian citizens.

“This examination extended to Nigerian students in Togo and Benin Republic, confirming the wide reach of our unity schools,” Wushishi noted. He also confirmed the exercise was free of disruptions, with all logistics and materials delivered promptly.

He added that provisions were made for children with special needs, including braille materials and designated support staff.

Director of Senior Secondary Education, Binta Abdulkadir, affirmed that admissions will be based on merit, state quotas, and exigency criteria, particularly for children of public servants. Final placement will follow the release of exam results.