NECO to Phase Out Paper-Pencil Exams, Fully Adopts Computer-Based Testing from 2025

The National Examinations Council (NECO) has announced that it will completely phase out the paper-and-pencil method of testing, beginning with the November/December 2025 Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) External.

According to the Council, “The National Examinations Council (NECO) has concluded arrangements to migrate from paper pencil to computer-based examination, starting from the 2025 November/December Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) External.”

This move marks the official transition to a fully computer-based system for all candidates, with the Federal Government already disclosing that by 2026, both privately-owned and public Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres will be fully deployed for the conduct of school-based SSCEs.

To ensure a smooth rollout, NECO has invited “interested Computer-Based Centre Operators” across the country to apply for registration. Operators must meet strict requirements covering technical capacity, infrastructure, and security.

Among the key conditions, each centre must provide “a minimum of 150 functional computer systems/laptops with 10% backups,” connected to a robust server capable of running them simultaneously. The systems must have updated antivirus software and must be linked using a cable-based LAN; wireless connections are strictly prohibited.

On facilities, the Council specified that halls must be equipped with cubicles of specific dimensions, adequate air-conditioning, strong lighting, and wall clocks visible to all candidates. “Make-shift CBT centres are not allowed; all centres must therefore be dedicated CBT centres that are used and maintained as such all year round,” NECO stressed.

Security and examination integrity were also highlighted. The Council directed that all centres must have CCTV with cabled IP cameras, fenced premises, and adequate security personnel. Furthermore, “The CBE centre personnel (including technical staff) should be dependable and trustworthy. They are to be men of high integrity that can ensure the credibility of the examination process.”

Power backup is another mandatory requirement. Each centre must provide at least a 40kva generator for 250 systems, along with UPS or inverters that can sustain operations for three hours. Internal toilets and holding rooms for candidates are also compulsory.

With these requirements in place, NECO said the migration to computer-based testing would set a new standard for examination conduct in Nigeria, while eliminating loopholes associated with manual testing.