The National Examinations Council (NECO) has officially released the results of the 2025 Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) for external candidates, with 71.63 per cent of candidates achieving five credits and above, including English Language and Mathematics.
The announcement was made on Tuesday in Abuja by the Registrar and Chief Executive of NECO, Professor Danlami Wushishi, during a press briefing on the outcome of the nationwide examination.
According to NECO, a total of 96,979 candidates registered for the 2025 external SSCE across Nigeria. Of this figure, 51,823 candidates (53.43 per cent) were male, while 45,156 candidates (46.56 per cent) were female.
However, 95,160 candidates eventually sat for the examination, comprising 50,785 males (53.36 per cent) and 44,375 females (46.63 per cent).
Performance In English And Mathematics
Breaking down performance in key subjects, Professor Wushishi disclosed that 93,425 candidates sat for English Language, out of which 73,167 candidates (78.32 per cent) obtained credit passes and above.
For Mathematics, 93,330 candidates participated in the examination, with 85,256 candidates (91.35 per cent) securing credit passes and above.
Overall, NECO reported that 68,166 candidates, representing 71.63 per cent, achieved five credits and above including English Language and Mathematics, a benchmark often required for admission into tertiary institutions in Nigeria.
In addition, 82,082 candidates (86.26 per cent) obtained five credits and above regardless of English Language and Mathematics, indicating a generally strong performance across subjects.
Rising Cases Of Examination Malpractice
On examination malpractice, the NECO Registrar revealed a significant rise in infractions during the 2025 examination cycle.
According to him, 9,016 candidates were booked for various forms of examination malpractice, compared to 6,160 cases in 2024, representing an increase of 31.7 per cent.
Professor Wushishi also disclosed that supervisors and examination centres found complicit in malpractice were sanctioned.
He said two supervisors from the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and one supervisor each from Kano and Lagos States have been recommended for appropriate disciplinary action.
In addition, four examination centres—two in Niger State, and one each in Yobe and Lagos States—were found guilty of whole-centre malpractice and have been recommended for de-recognition.
NECO Reaffirms Commitment To Exam Integrity
The NECO boss reaffirmed the council’s commitment to safeguarding the credibility and integrity of its examinations, warning candidates, supervisors and school owners against practices that undermine the examination process.
He stressed that NECO would continue to strengthen monitoring mechanisms and enforce strict sanctions to deter future malpractice and protect the value of its certificates.
The release of the 2025 SSCE external results comes amid growing national conversations around education standards, examination integrity and access to higher education in Nigeria.
