64,000 candidates sit 2025 national common entrance exam across Nigeria and neighbouring countries
By Uji A Iliyasu
A total of 64,000 candidates from Nigeria, the Republic of Benin, and Togo have participated in the 2025 National Common Entrance Examination (NCEE) for admission into Federal Government Colleges. The examination was conducted by the National Examinations Council (NECO).
The Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Ahmad, who monitored the conduct of the examination at Model Secondary School, Maitama, and Government Secondary School, Tudun Wada, Abuja, expressed satisfaction with the overall exercise.
“I’m very pleased with how the exams were conducted. They began on time, the students were well-organised, and the invigilators were present and actively engaged. We recorded 64,000 candidates—30,000 boys and 34,000 girls—which indicates strong interest in our unity colleges,” she said.
Professor Ahmad highlighted that the level of participation reflects ongoing public confidence in the unity school system.
“Nigerians are still keen to enrol their children in Federal Government Colleges. This turnout shows that parents continue to value the role of unity schools in fostering national cohesion,” she added.
Also commenting, NECO Registrar, Professor Ibrahim Wushishi revealed that Lagos State accounted for the highest number of registered candidates, with over 15,000, while the Republic of Togo recorded the lowest with just 17 candidates.
“We had around 109 candidates from the Republic of Benin and Togo combined—all Nigerian citizens residing in those countries. This is a truly regional effort that reinforces the reach and reputation of our unity colleges,” he said.
Professor Wushishi further noted that the examination proceeded without any major issues.
“Exam materials were delivered on time, the process began as scheduled, and no challenges have been reported so far. This smooth conduct gives us confidence that forthcoming senior secondary school exams, including WAEC and NECO, will proceed just as effectively,” he remarked.
He also acknowledged the participation of children with special needs, stating that NECO ensured appropriate provisions were made, including the use of braille materials and the deployment of support personnel.
Meanwhile, the Director of Senior Secondary Education at the Federal Ministry of Education, Mrs Binta Abdulkadir, affirmed that admissions into the Federal Government Colleges would be based on merit, state quota, and exigency—primarily addressing the educational needs of children of civil servants.
“Final admissions will depend on the results, but we remain committed to a process that is fair, transparent, and inclusive,” she said.