How to Effectively Prepare and Pass NECO Exam in one Sitting

What is NECO?

NECO is an acronym that stands for the National Examinations Council. It is an examination body in Nigeria that is responsible for conducting the Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (SSCE) for students in their final year of secondary school. The examination is usually taken by students who have completed six years of secondary education, and it is used to determine their eligibility for admission into tertiary institutions in Nigeria. The NECO SSCE examination is usually taken in May/June and November/December of each year and covers a wide range of subjects, including Mathematics, English Language, Sciences, Social Sciences, and Arts.

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History of Neco (National Examinations Council)

The National Examinations Council (NECO) was established in April 1999 by the Nigerian government as a replacement for the defunct Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) Examination Body. The establishment of NECO was in response to the need for a credible and reliable examination body that would conduct standardized and objective assessments of secondary school students in Nigeria.

NECO was mandated to conduct the Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (SSCE) and the National Common Entrance Examination (NCEE) for students seeking admission into Junior Secondary School (JSS) in Nigeria. The first SSCE examination conducted by NECO was in June/July 2000.

NECO’s mandate was later expanded to include the conduct of the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) for students in Junior Secondary Schools. The BECE examination was introduced in 2010 to replace the defunct Junior Secondary School Certificate Examination (JSSCE).

Over the years, NECO has continued to evolve and improve its examination processes to ensure that they meet international standards. The examination body has also adopted various measures to prevent malpractice and ensure that its examinations are credible and reliable. Today, NECO is recognized as one of the leading examination bodies in Nigeria, and its certificates are widely accepted for admission into tertiary institutions both within and outside the country.

What Average Number of Person registers for NECO?

The National Examinations Council (NECO) is a Nigerian examination board that conducts the Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (SSCE) for students in their final year of secondary school. The number of candidates who sit for the NECO SSCE examination varies from year to year, and it is not publicly disclosed until after the examination has been conducted.

However, according to NECO, over 1.3 million candidates registered for the 2020 SSCE examination. It is worth noting that this number includes both internal and external candidates.

It is also important to note that the number of candidates who sit for the NECO examination may vary depending on various factors such as government policies, changes in education systems, and economic situations.

Is NECO a Compulsory Exam for Secondary School Graduates?

In Nigeria, the National Examinations Council (NECO) Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (SSCE) is one of the recognized examinations for secondary school graduates alongside the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) conducted by the West African Examination Council (WAEC) and the National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB) examinations.

While secondary school graduates don’t need to sit for the NECO SSCE examination, it is necessary for students who want to pursue tertiary education in Nigeria. Most Nigerian universities and polytechnics require applicants to have a minimum of five credits, including Mathematics and English Language, in relevant subjects at the NECO SSCE, WASSCE, or NABTEB examinations.

Furthermore, some employers also require job candidates to have a minimum of five credits at the NECO SSCE, WASSCE, or NABTEB examinations for employment consideration. Therefore, while it is not compulsory to sit for the NECO SSCE examination, it is essential for students who want to further their education or increase their employment opportunities in Nigeria.

Qualifications to Participate in NECO Exercise

To participate in the National Examinations Council (NECO) Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (SSCE) in Nigeria, candidates are required to meet the following qualifications:

1. Age: Candidates must have attained the age of 16 years at the time of the examination.
2. School Attendance: Candidates are required to have attended and completed secondary education in a recognized school or institution for at least three years.
3. Registration: Candidates must have been registered by their schools or recognized institutions for the examination.
4. Examination Fees: Candidates are required to have paid the examination fees as required by NECO.

It is important to note that NECO SSCE is open to both internal and external candidates. Internal candidates are students who are registered by their schools or recognized institutions, while external candidates are private individuals who register for the examination on their own.

Candidates are also required to choose their subjects according to their intended field of study or career. The NECO SSCE examination consists of three categories of subjects: Compulsory Core Subjects, Science and Technical Subjects, and Humanities and Business Studies Subjects.

How Can one Effectively Prepare for NECO?

Here are 25 ways to prepare for the National Examinations Council (NECO) Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (SSCE) in Nigeria along with their definitions:

1. Start Early: Begin your preparation for the NECO examination early enough to have ample time to cover all the required topics.
2. Create a Study Plan: Develop a study plan that outlines your study schedule and covers all the subjects you need to study.
3. Cover the Syllabus: Ensure that you cover the entire syllabus for each subject you are taking.
4. Use Past Questions: Make use of past questions to familiarize yourself with the format and type of questions that may be asked.
5. Join Study Groups: Join a study group to share knowledge and insights with other candidates.
6. Attend Tutorial Classes: Attend tutorial classes to complement your self-study efforts.
7. Seek Clarification: Ask your teachers or tutors for clarification on any topic or concept you find difficult to understand.
8. Practice with Mock Exams: Take mock exams to simulate exam conditions and identify areas of weakness.
9. Time Management: Develop good time management skills to enable you to cover all subjects within the allotted time.
10. Take Breaks: Take regular breaks during study sessions to prevent burnout and maintain focus.
11. Reduce Distractions: Avoid distractions such as social media and unnecessary phone calls during study sessions.
12. Stay Healthy: Maintain a healthy lifestyle by eating well, exercising, and getting enough rest.
13. Use Revision Notes: Create concise revision notes that summarize key points and concepts for each subject.
14. Visual Aids: Make use of visual aids such as diagrams and charts to enhance your understanding of difficult concepts.
15. Use Audio Aids: Use audio aids such as recordings and podcasts to reinforce your understanding of topics.
16. Teach Others: Teach others to enhance your understanding of topics and reinforce your memory.
17. Attend Revision Classes: Attend revision classes to help you consolidate your knowledge and improve your exam readiness.
18. Stay Motivated: Stay motivated and focused by setting realistic goals and tracking your progress.
19. Avoid Last-minute Cramming: Avoid cramming in the days leading up to the exam as it can cause stress and anxiety.
20. Get Support: Seek emotional and psychological support from friends, family, or a professional counselor.
21. Exam Day: Arrive at the exam venue early and bring all the necessary materials such as identification and stationery.
22. Read Instructions Carefully: Read the instructions carefully and follow them to the letter.
23. Manage Time: Manage your time during the exam and allocate sufficient time to each question.
24. Answer All Questions: Attempt to answer all questions within the allocated time.
25. Stay Calm: Remain calm and composed during the exam and avoid panicking if you encounter difficult questions.

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Is it Possible to Pass NECO in One Sitting?

Yes, it is possible to pass the National Examination Council (NECO) in one sitting. Many students have successfully passed NECO with flying colors in just one attempt. However, passing NECO in one sitting requires adequate preparation, dedication, and hard work.

To pass NECO in one sitting, you need to develop a study plan, gather study materials, and practice consistently. You should also familiarize yourself with the NECO syllabus and exam pattern to understand what to expect in the exam. Additionally, you can enroll in a reputable NECO tutorial center or hire a private tutor to guide you through the preparation process.

In summary, passing NECO in one sitting is achievable with the right attitude and effort. With hard work, consistent practice, and a positive mindset, you can succeed in your NECO exam in one sitting.