Over 64,000 students from Nigeria, Benin Republic and Togo sat for this year’s National Common Entrance Examination conducted by the National Examinations Council on Saturday.
The exam, which determines admission into Federal Government Colleges, saw 30,000 male and 34,000 female candidates participate across various centers. Education Minister of State Prof. Suwaiba Ahmad expressed satisfaction after monitoring the exercise in Abuja schools.
“I’m happy with how well the exams went,” Ahmad said. “Students were orderly, invigilators were present, and the large turnout shows parents still value Unity Schools for national unity.”
NECO Registrar Prof. Ibrahim Wushishi revealed Lagos State had the highest registration with over 15,000 candidates, while Togo had the lowest with just 17. A total of 109 candidates from Benin and Togo participated alongside Nigerian residents in those countries.
“This regional participation confirms the strong reputation of our Unity Colleges,” Wushishi noted. He reported no challenges during the exams, with materials arriving on time and special provisions made for students with disabilities.
Director of Senior Secondary Education Binta Abdulkadir said admissions would be based on merit, state quotas and special considerations for civil servants’ children. Results will determine final placements for the upcoming academic session.
The annual examination serves as the gateway to Nigeria’s 110 Unity Schools established to promote national integration.
