NECO Drops 2025 SSCE Results: Over 80% Pass Rate, But Malpractice Cases Jump

 More than 9,000 candidates flagged for exam misconduct as NECO releases results of the 2025 SSCE External.

The National Examinations Council (NECO) has released the 2025 Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) External results, recording a strong overall performance alongside a sharp rise in examination malpractice cases.

The results were officially announced on Tuesday at NECO’s headquarters in Minna, Niger State, by the Registrar and Chief Executive of the council, Prof. Dantani Wushishi.

In a video posted on NECO’s official X (formerly Twitter) handle, Prof. Wushishi confirmed that candidates can now access their results on the council’s website using their registration numbers.

“It is my pleasure to declare the 2025 SSCE External Results released,” he said.

According to NECO, 96,979 candidates registered for the examination, with 95,160 eventually sitting for papers across 16 subjects. The candidates included 51,823 males (53.43%) and 45,156 females (46.56%).

Performance data showed encouraging outcomes. In English Language, 73,167 out of 93,425 candidates (78.32%)obtained credit and above, while 85,256 of 93,330 candidates (91.35%) achieved credit and above in Mathematics.

Overall, 68,166 candidates (71.63%) secured five credits and above including English and Mathematics, while 82,082 candidates (86.26%) achieved five credits and above irrespective of the two core subjects.

However, NECO reported a worrying increase in examination misconduct. Prof. Wushishi disclosed that 9,016 candidates were booked for various forms of malpractice, representing a 31.7 per cent rise compared to 6,160 cases recorded in 2024.

He added that five supervisors—two from the Federal Capital Territory and one each from Kano, Adamawa and Ondo states—were recommended for blacklisting for aiding and abetting malpractice.

In addition, four examination centres—two in Niger State and one each in Yobe and Kano—were recommended for de-recognition over whole-centre malpractice.

The SSCE External is designed mainly for private candidates seeking certification outside the regular school system, including those who missed the internal examination or wish to improve their grades.

While NECO’s results reflect improved academic performance among candidates, the council’s latest figures also highlight ongoing challenges in tackling examination malpractice across the country.

SOURCE : NaijaRush Assignment Desk