NECO Triumphs As 76 Pupils Hit 203 in Toughest 2025 Entrance Exam

NECO Triumphs As 76 Pupils Hit 203 in Toughest 2025 Entrance Exam

NECO has revealed that 76 outstanding pupils scored the highest mark of 203 in the 2025 National Common Entrance Examination (NCEE), a major academic step for children hoping to join the Federal Government Unity Colleges.

These top scorers emerged from thousands of Primary 6 pupils who sat for the exam. Their impressive results have sparked excitement in homes and schools across Nigeria, as they inch closer to securing admission into Junior Secondary School 1 (JSS1) for the 2025/2026 academic year.

NECO will conduct the 2025 NCEE on Saturday, June 14, 2025, across the country. The exam is open to pupils who completed their primary education in the 2024/2025 academic session. This nationwide test is the key requirement for entry into any of the 110 Federal Unity Colleges, known for providing quality and affordable education.

In a statement, NECO said, “The 2025 National Common Entrance Examination (NCEE) conducted by NECO for admission into Federal Government Unity Colleges is coming up on Saturday, 14th June, 2025.”

Each year, thousands of hopefuls compete in the NCEE. But only the best-performing candidates earn a place in the Unity Colleges, which are managed by the Federal Ministry of Education. These schools are prized for their academic excellence, skilled teachers, and subsidized fees, making them a top choice for many families across Nigeria.

NECO has urged parents and guardians to make sure their children and wards are present at their assigned centres on exam day. The body has spread exam centres across all states to ensure access and fairness.

Candidates will face questions in Mathematics, English Studies, Verbal Aptitude, Quantitative Aptitude, General Science, and Social Studies. These six subjects test not only what pupils have learned but also their ability to think critically.

The exam, while academic in nature, carries a deeper emotional meaning for many families. It represents the next chapter in a child’s journey toward a better future. For most of these 10 to 13-year-olds, it’s their first major test — and one that could decide what kind of secondary school education they’ll receive.

This year’s announcement that 76 pupils achieved the highest score of 203 has sent waves of pride through communities and schools. For the children who made it to the top, their names now stand as symbols of hard work, focus, and dedication.

While many families will be celebrating these high scores, others are also preparing. As the exam date draws near, coaching centres, teachers, and parents are intensifying revision efforts, doing everything they can to support their pupils.

NECO, the national exam body responsible for the NCEE, has been a major part of Nigeria’s education system for decades. Apart from the NCEE, it also conducts the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) and the Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE). These exams serve as benchmarks that help shape the path of millions of students in Nigeria.

Beyond this year’s NCEE, NECO and the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) are preparing for a bold digital shift. The Federal Government has announced that both exam bodies will fully transition to Computer-Based Testing (CBT) starting in May/June 2026.

Before that happens, NECO will roll out CBT for objective questions in November 2025. By mid-2026, all national exams — including both objective and essay questions — will go digital. This major shift is expected to bring faster grading, stronger exam security, and more accurate performance tracking.

This reform will not affect the 2025 NCEE, which remains paper-based. But schools and teachers are already beginning to adjust their teaching methods, knowing that future exams will be held in a digital format.

NECO’s decision to embrace CBT is backed by strong performance in recent exams. In the 2024 SSCE for external candidates, 86,067 pupils registered, and the pass rate stood at 67.35%. That number gives education officials hope that students can adapt quickly to digital assessments.

Still, the NCEE remains more than just an exam. It’s a moment of growth, especially for children who come from under-resourced schools or families with limited income. For many of them, Unity Colleges represent their best shot at receiving a stable and high-quality secondary education.

Unity Colleges do not only teach academic subjects. They also help shape values, build leadership, and expose students to peers from other parts of the country. These schools were created to promote national unity, and every pupil admitted becomes part of that mission.

In homes across Nigeria, children preparing for the NCEE are balancing their final year of primary school with long hours of studying. Parents are sacrificing extra funds to pay for revision books and coaching classes. Teachers are staying after school to give extra lessons.

These small daily efforts, often unseen, are what lead to the kind of success celebrated by the 76 pupils who scored 203 this year. Their journey was not easy. But their scores prove that with effort, support, and encouragement, great things are possible.

As NECO continues to carry the burden of national assessments, its mission remains the same: to provide a fair, credible, and inclusive process that gives every child a chance. The council’s upcoming entrance exam is a reminder of just how important that mission is.

And for those 76 pupils — and many more striving to do their best on June 14 — this exam is not the end. It’s just the beginning of a future filled with possibility.