NECO to phase out paper-pencil exams and move fully to CBT from November 2025

The National Examinations Council (NECO) has announced a major shift in its examination format, confirming that it will phase out the traditional paper-pencil method and adopt a full computer-based examination (CBE) system starting with the November/December 2025 Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) External.

This move aligns with the Federal Government’s directive, issued in July, mandating that all national examinations including WAEC and NECO, transition to computer-based testing by 2026.

 

In a statement, NECO said it had concluded arrangements for the transition and released comprehensive guidelines for Computer-Based Examination (CBE) centres, covering system specifications, hall requirements, personnel standards, and security protocols.

NECO says its adoption of CBT for the November/December SSCE External serves as a pilot phase before a full rollout for all examinations in 2026.