11. August 2025
Admin
2025 NECO GCE (Nov/Dec) — Registration & Guidelines
The NECO GCE (Senior School Certificate Examination — External) for 2025 is open for registration through NECO’s SSCE External portal. This guide summarizes eligibility, documents, fees, the registration process, exam format changes, and important tips to avoid mistakes during registration.
Who can register?
- Private candidates (not currently enrolled in a secondary school) who wish to sit the SSCE External / GCE.
- Candidates should meet the subject prerequisites for courses they intend to use the result for (e.g., Medicine requires Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Mathematics, English).
NECO’s external SSCE is primarily meant for private/external candidates — check the portal for country-specific eligibility notes.
Reported registration window (2025)
NECO’s SSCE External portal is active for 2025 registration. Reported registration windows in recent NECO updates and community notices indicate registrations opened in July and run through autumn — social updates flagged a registration period of 7 July → 18 November 2025, though you should confirm exact cut-off dates on the NECO portal before paying.
If you see different dates elsewhere, always rely on NECO’s official announcements or the SSCE External portal for the final deadline.
How to register — step by step
- Visit NECO’s SSCE External portal: ssceexternal.neco.gov.ng. Create an account or log in if you already have one.
- Complete the biometric capture (fingerprint) at a certified registration centre — NECO requires biometric data to prevent impersonation.
- Provide a valid National Identification Number (NIN) and an active phone number and email for OTPs and notifications.
- Upload a recent passport photograph (white background) and any previous examination results (if applicable).
- Choose the subjects you wish to register for (GCE candidates usually pick 5+ subjects relevant to intended programmes).
- Make payment through the portal (NECO provides Remita/card options). Keep the payment receipt and print your registration slip.
Required documents & tech
- National Identification Number (NIN)
- Valid passport photograph (white background; recent)
- Proof of previous results (if you're sitting for improvement) — WAEC/NECO certificates
- Working phone number and email
- Access to a certified NECO registration centre with fingerprint scanner (many centres offer full service)
Fees (typical / reported for 2025)
Multiple outlets report the standard NECO registration fee around ₦22,250 for 2025 (this typically covers registration; additional service/Remita charges may apply). Always confirm the exact payable total on the NECO portal before payment.
Important exam changes & format
- NECO GCE is increasingly CBT (computer-based testing) for theory papers in 2025 in many centres; some practical/oral/skills papers remain paper-based. Confirm whether you’ll take CBT or pencil-paper at your chosen centre.
- Further Mathematics and some niche papers may be adjusted — check the official SSCE External timetable and subject list before selecting subjects.
Common registration pitfalls
- Don’t use unverified agents — register only via NECO portal or an approved centre.
- Ensure your NIN details match your name exactly — mismatches cause delays or rejection.
- Biometric (fingerprint) failure at the exam hall can lead to impersonation flags — use certified centres for capture.
- Keep all receipts, slips, and email confirmations. Print/photocopy them and store digitally.
After registration — next steps
- Check the published timetable on NECO’s portal and note the dates for your chosen subjects.
- Attend any required biometrics verification or mock CBT session offered by your registration centre.
- Arrive early on exam days with ID, exam slip, and face mask (where required) to avoid last-minute disqualification.
Official NECO resources — verify everything here before you pay:
• NECO homepage / news:
neco.gov.ng
• NECO SSCE External portal:
ssceexternal.neco.gov.ng
• 2025 Registration Guidelines & Timetable (PDFs) are published on the NECO site — read them carefully.
