NECO Drops Paper-Pencil Exams: Full Switch To CBT Begins In 2025

The National Examinations Council (NECO) has announced that starting with the November/December 2025 Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) External, candidates will no longer write paper-and-pencil tests, as the body is fully migrating to a Computer-Based Examination (CBE) system.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

This move follows the Federal Government’s July directive that all WAEC and NECO exams must switch entirely to computer-based testing by 2026. NECO confirmed the development in a statement on Wednesday, saying:

“The National Examinations Council (NECO) has concluded arrangements to migrate from paper-pencil to computer-based examinations, beginning with the 2025 November/December SSCE External.”

Strict Guidelines for CBT Centres

NECO emphasized that only accredited privately-owned and institution-based CBT centres meeting its stringent technical and security requirements will be approved.

Some of the key requirements include:

• Minimum of 150 functional computers or laptops with 10% backups, connected to a powerful server.

• Partitioned cubicles for candidates, with proper seating and lighting.

• CCTV surveillance (IP-based only), with all cables properly trunked (no wireless cameras).

• Reliable MTN or Airtel internet coverage.

• Adequate facilities such as air-conditioned halls, internal toilets, holding rooms, and visible wall clocks (since wristwatches will be banned).

• Power backup with at least a 40kva generator plus UPS/inverters that can sustain operations for three hours.

• Trusted staff and technical personnel to guarantee the integrity of the exam process.

NECO stressed that makeshift CBT centres will not be accepted, nor will centres in shared premises such as markets, malls, or cinemas.

A New Era in Nigeria’s Examinations

The examination body urged eligible CBT operators nationwide to apply for accreditation, noting that the transition will improve credibility, efficiency, and global competitiveness of Nigeria’s secondary school assessments.