The National Examinations Council (NECO) has announced it will abandon the paper-pencil method of testing, beginning with the November/December 2025 Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) External.
According to the Council, all examinations will be conducted through a fully computer-based system, in line with the Federal Government’s directive that privately-owned and institutional CBT centres should drive nationwide school exams from 2026.
In a statement released on Wednesday, NECO said: “The Council has concluded arrangements to migrate from paper-pencil to computer-based examination, starting with the 2025 November/December SSCE External.”
To achieve this, NECO has opened applications to computer-based centre operators willing to register as official exam centres. Applicants must meet strict requirements covering infrastructure, technology, and security.
Among the conditions, centres must provide at least 150 functional computer systems with backups, robust servers, CCTV surveillance, and reliable internet access, preferably from MTN or Airtel. Facilities must also include air-conditioned halls, cubicles for each candidate, visible wall clocks, and backup power sources capable of running for at least three hours.
On security and integrity, NECO warned that only trustworthy staff would be accepted, stressing that “make-shift CBT centres are not allowed” and that all centres must be dedicated, properly fenced, and equipped with toilets and holding rooms for candidates.
The Council added that detailed guidelines covering hall design, system specifications, and personnel standards have been made public for interested operators.
1 comment
https://shorturl.fm/J3BEP