64,000 Pupils Sit for 2025 Common Entrance as NECO, Education Ministry Hail Smooth Exercise
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64,000 Pupils Sit for 2025 Common Entrance as NECO, Education Ministry Hail Smooth Exercise
A total of 64,000 candidates from Nigeria, the Republic of Benin and Togo sat for the 2025 National Common Entrance Examination (NCEE) into Federal Government Colleges on Saturday, according to the National Examinations Council (NECO).
The nationwide test, conducted seamlessly across multiple centers, drew participation from 30,000 boys and 34,000 girls, indicating a growing interest in the Federal Unity School system.
Speaking during an inspection of the exam at Model Secondary School, Maitama and Government Secondary School, Tudun Wada, Wuse, Abuja, Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Ahmad, expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the exercise.
“I’m very happy with the way the exams have been conducted. They started on time, students were orderly and invigilators were present and active. We had 64,000 candidates, 30,000 male and 34,000 female, which shows a strong interest in our unity colleges.”
Prof. Ahmad noted that the turnout affirms the continued public confidence in the role of unity schools in fostering national integration.
“Nigerians are still eager to have their children in Federal Government Colleges. This turnout shows that parents still value the role of unity schools in national cohesion.”
NECO Registrar, Prof. Ibrahim Wushishi, added that Lagos State led with the highest number of registered candidates—over 15,000, while Togo recorded the lowest with 17 candidates.
“We had about 109 candidates from Benin Republic and Togo combined, all Nigerian citizens residing there. This is a truly regional exercise that affirms the reach and reputation of our unity colleges.”
He reported a hitch-free conduct of the exams nationwide.
“Materials arrived on time, the exam started as scheduled, and so far, we’ve seen no issues. This smooth process gives us hope that upcoming senior secondary exams, both WAEC and NECO, will follow suit.”
Prof. Wushishi also acknowledged the inclusion of children with special needs, noting that braille and support services were provided.
Binta Abdulkadir, Director of Senior Secondary Education at the Federal Ministry of Education, emphasized that admission into Federal Government Colleges will be guided by merit, state quota, and exigency, with the latter covering children of federal workers.
“Final admissions will depend on the released results, but we remain committed to a fair and inclusive process.”
The 2025 NCEE further reaffirms the relevance of Nigeria’s unity schools, as enrollment continues to grow across local and diaspora communities.
