9,016 Candidates Sanctioned as NECO Releases 2025 SSCE Results

By Our Editor

The National Examinations Council (NECO) has released the results of the 2025 Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE), with over 71 per cent meeting the minimum requirements for tertiary admission.

Announcing the results in Minna, Niger State, the Registrar of NECO, Ibrahim Wushishi, said more than seven out of every 10 candidates obtained at least five credits, including English Language and Mathematics.

According to him, a total of 96,979 candidates registered for the examination, comprising 51,823 males and 45,156 females. Of this number, 95,160 candidates sat for the examination, while 93,425 results were successfully processed.

He disclosed that 73,167 candidates, representing 78.32 per cent, secured credit passes and above in their subjects.

Performance in Mathematics was particularly impressive. Out of 93,330 candidates who wrote the subject, 85,256 — representing 91.35 per cent — obtained credit passes and above.

On the benchmark for university admission, the registrar said 68,166 candidates, or 71.63 per cent, achieved five credits and above, including English Language and Mathematics.

In addition, 82,082 candidates, representing 86.26 per cent, earned five credits and above when the two compulsory subjects were excluded.

Despite the positive outcome, NECO raised concerns over examination malpractice. A total of 9,016 candidates were sanctioned for various offences, reflecting an increase of 2,856 cases compared to the previous year.

The council also blacklisted five supervisors from the Federal Capital Territory, Kano, Adamawa and Ondo states for alleged involvement in malpractice.

Four examination centres in Niger, Yobe and Kano states have been recommended for derecognition over widespread cheating.

Professor Wushishi said the results demonstrate NECO’s continued commitment to conducting credible and transparent examinations.

He expressed appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his support for the education sector.

He added that state governments currently owe the council less than N2 billion in outstanding liabilities.

The 2025 SSCE was conducted from November 26 to December 13, 2025, while marking took place between January 5 and January 21, 2026.