The National Examinations Council (NECO) has confirmed it will phase out the paper-pencil examination system, beginning with the 2025 November/December Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) External. All future examinations will adopt a full computer-based testing (CBT) framework.
NECO has invited interested Computer-Based Examination centre operators across Nigeria to apply for registration, ensuring they meet technical, infrastructural, and security standards. Centres must provide a minimum of 150 functional computers or laptops, 10% backups, robust servers, virus-free systems, and gigabit LAN connectivity.
Hall requirements include individual cubicles of prescribed dimensions, adequate air-conditioning, functional lighting, cabled CCTV with IP cameras, strong MTN or Airtel network signals, and visible wall clocks as wristwatches are banned. Make-shift or shared-premises centres are disallowed.
Facilities and personnel standards demand backup power supply (minimum 40kVA generator and UPS/inverters for three hours), trustworthy technical staff including two technical personnel and one network engineer, internal toilets, holding rooms, and fenced premises with adequate security.
NECO emphasised that all centres must be dedicated CBT facilities, maintained year-round, to safeguard the integrity and credibility of examinations. This move aligns with the Federal Government’s plan to deploy both private and public CBT centres fully by 2026.
Summary:
NECO will conduct all November/December 2025 SSCE exams using computer-based testing, mandating strict hall, system, and personnel standards. Only dedicated CBT centres with robust infrastructure, security, and reliable power will be approved. The initiative ensures a credible, secure, and technology-driven examination process nationwide.
