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The National Examinations Council (NECO) has announced the release of the 2025 Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) results for school-based candidates, marking a significant milestone in Nigeria’s educational landscape. The announcement, made on Wednesday, September 17, 2025, at the Council’s headquarters in Minna, Niger State, came exactly 54 days after the conclusion of the examinations. In a press briefing, NECO’s Registrar and Chief Executive, Professor Dantani Wushishi, provided a detailed breakdown of the results, highlighted key performance metrics, and addressed issues of examination malpractice, including the recommendation to blacklist nine supervisors from five states for their roles in irregularities during the 2025 SSCE.
Overview of the 2025 SSCE: Participation and Performance
The 2025 SSCE, a critical academic milestone for secondary school students in Nigeria, saw a total of 1,367,210 candidates register for the examination. This figure reflects the significant role NECO plays in assessing the academic preparedness of students transitioning to tertiary institutions or other post-secondary pathways. Of the registered candidates, 685,514 were male, while 681,696 were female, indicating a near gender parity in participation. However, not all registered candidates sat for the exams. According to Professor Wushishi, a total of 1,358,339 candidates actually participated, comprising 680,299 males and 678,047 females. This slight reduction in the number of candidates who sat for the exams compared to those who registered could be attributed to various factors, such as absenteeism, logistical challenges, or personal circumstances, though specific reasons were not disclosed during the briefing.
The performance of candidates in the 2025 SSCE was a focal point of the announcement. Professor Wushishi reported that 818,492 candidates, representing 60.24% of those who sat for the exams, achieved five credits or more, including the mandatory subjects of English Language and Mathematics. These subjects are critical benchmarks for admission into most tertiary institutions in Nigeria, as they are prerequisites for many academic programs. Additionally, a more inclusive metric revealed that 2,144,496 candidates (84.26%) obtained five credits or more, irrespective of whether English Language and Mathematics were included. This broader measure highlights the overall academic competence of candidates, even if some may need to retake specific subjects to meet university admission requirements.
The results reflect a mixed outcome. On one hand, the 60.24% pass rate in five credits, including English and Mathematics, indicates a significant portion of candidates are well-positioned for further education. On the other hand, the fact that nearly 40% of candidates did not meet this threshold underscores persistent challenges in Nigeria’s secondary education system, such as disparities in access to quality teaching, resources, and preparation for high-stakes examinations like the SSCE.
Addressing Examination Malpractice: A Zero-Tolerance Approach
One of the standout themes of Professor Wushishi’s address was NECO’s unwavering commitment to maintaining the integrity of its examinations. The Registrar emphasized the Council’s zero-tolerance policy for examination malpractice, a stance that has been central to NECO’s operations since its establishment in 1999. To uphold this standard, NECO implemented rigorous measures during the 2025 SSCE, from meticulous planning to robust monitoring during the examination process.
Despite these efforts, instances of malpractice were reported. A total of 3,878 candidates were found to have engaged in various forms of examination irregularities during the 2025 SSCE. While this number is significant, it represents a notable decline from the 10,094 cases recorded in the 2024 SSCE, a reduction that Professor Wushishi attributed to intensified monitoring efforts by the Council’s Governing Board, management, and senior staff. This decrease is a positive development, suggesting that NECO’s proactive measures are yielding results in curbing unethical practices.
Among the most serious cases of malpractice were instances of mass cheating involving entire schools. Professor Wushishi disclosed that 38 schools across 13 states were implicated in what the Council described as “whole school mass cheating.” These schools will be summoned for discussions with NECO officials, after which appropriate sanctions will be applied. While the specific nature of the sanctions was not detailed, they could range from temporary bans on conducting NECO examinations to other punitive measures aimed at deterring future violations. The identification of such widespread malpractice raises questions about systemic issues in certain schools, including inadequate supervision, complicity of school authorities, or external pressures that may incentivize cheating.
In addition to school-level infractions, nine supervisors from five states—Rivers (three), Niger (one), the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Abuja (three), Kano (one), and Ogun (one)—were recommended for blacklisting from future NECO examinations. The blacklisting of supervisors is a serious measure, signaling that these individuals were found to have facilitated or failed to prevent examination irregularities. While the exact nature of their infractions was not disclosed, such actions could include colluding with candidates, allowing unauthorized materials into examination halls, or neglecting their supervisory duties. Blacklisting effectively bars these individuals from participating in NECO’s examination processes, serving as both a punishment and a deterrent to others.
Challenges in Adamawa State: Communal Clashes Disrupt Examinations
The 2025 SSCE was not without logistical challenges. Professor Wushishi highlighted a significant issue in Adamawa State, where communal clashes disrupted the conduct of examinations in eight schools. As a result, NECO was forced to suspend examinations for 13 subjects in these schools. The Registrar noted that the Council has initiated discussions with the Adamawa State government to address the issue and ensure that affected candidates can complete their examinations. This development underscores the broader socio-political challenges that can impact educational processes in Nigeria, particularly in regions prone to communal tensions.
The suspension of examinations in Adamawa is a reminder of the complex interplay between education and societal stability. Communal clashes, often rooted in ethnic, religious, or resource-based conflicts, can disrupt critical activities like examinations, leaving students in affected areas at a disadvantage. NECO’s decision to engage with the state government reflects a commitment to ensuring that no candidate is unfairly penalized due to circumstances beyond their control. However, the resolution of this issue will require swift and coordinated action to minimize disruptions to the academic timelines of the affected students.
Reflections on Leadership and Legacy
In a poignant moment during the press briefing, Professor Wushishi hinted that the 2025 SSCE results might be the last released under his leadership, as his first four-year tenure as NECO’s Registrar is set to expire in July 2026. While he did not confirm whether he would seek reappointment, his remarks suggested a reflective assessment of his tenure. He expressed gratitude to NECO’s staff for their professionalism, discipline, and dedication to excellence, qualities he credited for the credibility and trustworthiness of the 2025 SSCE results.
“Your intellectual rigour, meticulous attention to quality, and commitment to ethical standards have ensured that we deliver results that are credible and trusted by the students, institutions, and the public,” Professor Wushishi stated. This acknowledgment highlights the collective effort required to administer a nationwide examination of this scale, which involves thousands of personnel, from question setters to invigilators, markers, and administrative staff.
Under Professor Wushishi’s leadership, NECO has made strides in improving the efficiency and integrity of its processes. The reduction in examination malpractice cases from 2024 to 2025 is a testament to the effectiveness of his administration’s strategies. However, challenges such as logistical disruptions in conflict-prone areas and persistent malpractice indicate that there is still work to be done to ensure a fully equitable and transparent examination system.
Broader Context: NECO’s Role in Nigerian Education
The release of the 2025 SSCE results is not just a statistical milestone but also a reflection of NECO’s broader role in Nigeria’s education system. Established in 1999 to provide an alternative to the West African Examinations Council (WAEC), NECO has grown to become a cornerstone of secondary education assessment in Nigeria. The SSCE is one of NECO’s flagship examinations, alongside the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) and the National Common Entrance Examination (NCEE). The SSCE is particularly significant because it serves as a gateway for students seeking admission into universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.
The 2025 SSCE results provide valuable insights into the state of secondary education in Nigeria. The 60.24% pass rate in five credits, including English and Mathematics, is a critical indicator of the readiness of Nigerian students for higher education. However, the fact that nearly 40% of candidates did not achieve this benchmark raises concerns about systemic issues such as teacher quality, curriculum implementation, and access to learning resources. These challenges are particularly pronounced in rural and underserved areas, where schools often lack adequate infrastructure and qualified educators.
Moreover, the gender parity in candidate registration and participation is a positive development, reflecting efforts to promote equal access to education for boys and girls. However, ensuring that female candidates perform as well as their male counterparts and have equal opportunities to pursue higher education remains an ongoing priority.
Implications and Future Directions
The release of the 2025 SSCE results and the accompanying measures to address malpractice have several implications for Nigeria’s education sector. First, the reduction in malpractice cases is a step forward, but the persistence of issues like mass cheating and supervisor misconduct indicates that more robust interventions are needed. These could include enhanced training for supervisors, stricter penalties for offending schools, and the adoption of technology-driven solutions, such as digital monitoring systems, to prevent irregularities.
Second, the situation in Adamawa State highlights the need for better contingency planning to ensure that examinations can proceed in areas affected by insecurity or communal conflicts. Collaboration with state governments, security agencies, and local communities will be essential to create a stable environment for educational activities.
Finally, as Professor Wushishi’s tenure nears its end, the future leadership of NECO will play a critical role in building on his achievements and addressing remaining challenges. The next Registrar will need to continue the push for transparency, efficiency, and inclusivity while navigating the complex socio-political dynamics that affect education in Nigeria.
Conclusion
The release of the 2025 SSCE results by NECO marks another chapter in the Council’s mission to uphold academic excellence and integrity in Nigeria’s education system. With 818,492 candidates achieving five credits or more, including English and Mathematics, and a significant reduction in malpractice cases, the 2025 SSCE reflects both progress and challenges. The recommendation to blacklist nine supervisors and sanction 38 schools underscores NECO’s commitment to maintaining high standards, while the suspension of examinations in Adamawa highlights the external factors that can disrupt educational processes.
As NECO continues to evolve, its ability to address malpractice, improve logistical efficiency, and ensure equitable access to examinations will be critical to its success. The 2025 SSCE results are not just a report card for the candidates who sat for the exams but also a reflection of the broader state of secondary education in Nigeria. With Professor Wushishi’s tenure drawing to a close, the focus now shifts to sustaining the gains made and tackling the systemic issues that continue to shape the educational landscape.