The National Examinations Council (NECO) has officially released the results of the 2024 Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) External, highlighting a significant improvement in student performance and a notable reduction in examination malpractice cases.
At a press conference held at NECO’s headquarters in Minna on Friday, the Registrar and Chief Executive, Prof. Dantani Ibrahim Wushishi, shared key insights from the examination, which took place between November 14 and December 14, 2024. A total of 86,067 candidates registered for the exam, with 84,799 sitting for it.
According to Prof. Wushishi, the results reflect a positive academic trend. An impressive 67.35%—equivalent to 57,114 candidates—secured credits in at least five subjects, including English Language and Mathematics.
Of those who registered, 44,988 (52.27%) were male, while 41,079 (47.72%) were female. Among those who sat for the exam, 44,277 (52.21%) were male, and 40,522 (47.78%) were female.
In subject-specific performance, 83,220 candidates attempted English Language, with 75.62% (62,929 candidates) obtaining a credit or higher. Mathematics recorded an even higher success rate, with 93.93% (77,988 candidates) of 83,024 test-takers earning a credit or better.
Overall, 83.39% (70,711 candidates) earned credits in at least five subjects, regardless of their English Language and Mathematics results.
NECO reported a significant drop in examination malpractice, with cases falling by 27.7%—from 8,518 in 2023 to 6,160 in 2024. This decline reflects the council’s efforts to combat irregularities.
As part of disciplinary actions, seven supervisors—two each from Oyo and Ogun States and one each from Lagos, Cross River, and Ebonyi States—were recommended for blacklisting due to negligence, tardiness, and complicity in malpractice. Additionally, fourteen examination centers—ten in Ogun State and four in Oyo State—were blacklisted for widespread malpractice across nine subjects.
Candidates can now check their 2024 SSCE External results via NECO’s official website, www.neco.gov.ng, using their examination registration number.
Prof. Wushishi expressed gratitude to the Minister of Education, Maruf Tunji Alausa, Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Said Ahmad, and other stakeholders for their unwavering support, which contributed to the smooth conduct of the examination.
