The National Examinations Council (NECO) has officially announced the commencement of registration for the 2025 Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) External, targeting candidates outside the formal school system. This development was revealed in a statement released by NECO’s Registrar and Chief Executive, Professor Dantani Ibrahim Wushishi.

According to the statement, the registration window opened on July 7, 2025, and will remain active until September 18, 2025. However, registration is restricted to individuals who have attempted the SSCE Internal examination within the past five years, underscoring NECO’s commitment to maintaining examination integrity and quality control.

Eligibility Criteria and Registration Requirements

To be eligible for the 2025 SSCE External examination, all candidates must:

• Possess a National Identification Number (NIN), which must be linked with their biometric data.

• Undergo offline biometric fingerprint capture at the point of registration, with additional verification during the examination period to detect and prevent impersonation.

• Register exclusively via NECO’s official online portal: www.neco.gov.ng, using only certified registration centres or designated NECO offices.

NECO issued a stern warning that any mismatch in biometric details between registration and examination verification will be treated as impersonation, an offence punishable by law.

Registration Fees and Payment Instructions

The registration fee is N40,000, which covers:

• A four-digit mathematical table

• A waterproof certificate jacket

• Service charges

All payments must be made directly on the NECO portal through approved methods, including:

• Point of Sale (POS)

• ATM card

• Remita platform

Candidates who miss the regular registration deadline must pay a late fee of N10,000, effective from September 19, 2025.

Examination Timeline and Entry Requirements

The 2025 SSCE External examination will run from Wednesday, September 29 to Friday, December 19, 2025.

Key requirements include:

• Printing and presenting a photo card, which will serve as the admission permit to the exam venue.

• The photo card must be signed and stamped by one of the following:

  • An ordained clergyman

  • A senior civil servant

  • Any other officially authorized personnel

Candidates must arrive at the venue at least one hour before the commencement of each paper. NECO reminded candidates that they will be allowed only one correction opportunity before the examination starts. Corrections may involve:

• Names

• Gender

• Date of birth

• Subjects selected

• Examination number

Once the examination begins, no further changes will be permitted.

Computer-Based Test (CBT) and Special Needs Provisions

NECO has introduced a Computer-Based Test (CBT) option for candidates who prefer a digital testing environment. This move reflects ongoing efforts to integrate technology into national assessments.

For candidates with special needs, NECO advised that they declare their specific requirements during registration to ensure proper arrangements are made.

Examination Centre Selection

Candidates are required to choose examination centres close to their residential location. However, this is subject to availability, and centres cannot be changed once selected.

NECO also emphasized that multiple registrations will result in the complete cancellation of results, and urged candidates to be cautious during registration.

Wide Range of Subject Offerings

NECO has released the full list of available subjects for the 2025 SSCE External examination. These are grouped into core academic, indigenous, business, technical, and digital literacy categories.

Core Academic Subjects

• English Language

• Mathematics

• Biology

• Chemistry

• Physics

• Literature in English

• Government

• Economics

• Geography

• Civic Education

Indigenous and Religious Studies

• Yoruba

• Hausa

• Igbo

• Arabic

• Christian Religious Studies

• Islamic Studies

Business and Commercial Subjects

• Financial Accounting

• Commerce

• Marketing

• Typewriting

Technical and Vocational Subjects

• Technical Drawing

• Metal Work

• Woodwork

• Building Construction

• Auto Mechanics

• Auto Body Repairs and Spray Painting

• Air Conditioning and Refrigeration

• Welding and Fabrication

• Machine Woodworking

• Radio, Television and Electronics Works

• Basic Electricity

• Basic Electronics

Digital and Computer-Based Subjects

• Data Processing

• Computer Studies

NECO’s inclusion of Data Processing and Computer Studies acknowledges the increasing importance of digital literacy in today’s educational and employment landscapes.

Final Note: Compliance is Key

NECO concluded its statement with a reminder that strict adherence to guidelines is crucial for a smooth examination experience. The Council reiterated that disciplinary measures will be taken against candidates who violate the rules, especially those involved in impersonation, multiple registration, or falsification of documents.

By opening registration with such extensive guidelines and a broadened subject offering, NECO continues to enhance accessibility and inclusivity for external candidates, while reinforcing examination integrity. Candidates are advised to begin their registration early and follow all instructions carefully to avoid unnecessary complications.