NECO Conducts National Common Entrance as Benin, Togo Join Nigeria

At least 64,000 pupils from Nigeria, Benin Republic, and Togo sat for the National Common Entrance Examination (NCEE) on Saturday, seeking admission into Federal Government Colleges across Nigeria.

The examination, organised by the National Examinations Council (NECO), was held simultaneously in all participating locations.

After observing the exercise at Model Secondary School, Maitama, and Government Secondary School, Tudun Wada in Abuja, the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Ahmad, expressed satisfaction with the process.

Prof. Ahmad noted that the high turnout was a clear reflection of public confidence in the Unity School system.

“I am pleased with the conduct of the exam — it began promptly, candidates were well-organised, and the invigilators were dutiful,” she said.

She added that the gender distribution — 30,000 male and 34,000 female candidates — indicated sustained interest in Federal Unity Colleges.

“The participation shows that Nigerian parents still value Unity Schools as vital instruments for national integration,” she stated.

NECO Registrar, Prof. Ibrahim Wushishi, revealed that Lagos State recorded the highest number of candidates with over 15,000 registrations, while Togo had the fewest with 17. A total of 109 candidates from Benin and Togo — mostly Nigerian nationals — took part in the exam.

“This year’s exercise reinforces the regional significance and wide acceptance of our Unity Colleges,” Wushishi said, noting that the examination was conducted without incident.

“Materials arrived early, exams commenced on schedule, and we encountered no logistical challenges. We hope this seamless process continues with the upcoming WAEC and NECO senior secondary examinations,” he added.

Wushishi also highlighted the provision made for students with special needs, including braille materials and support staff to ensure full participation.

Speaking further, the Director of Senior Secondary Education at the Federal Ministry of Education, Binta Abdulkadir, affirmed that admissions would be determined based on merit, state quota, and exigency — the latter primarily serving children of civil servants.

She assured stakeholders of a transparent and inclusive admissions process once results are released.

The NCEE, held annually, grants pupils access to Federal Government colleges — widely known as Unity Schools. Admissions for the next academic session are expected to commence shortly after the publication of results.