The National Examinations Council (NECO) has announced the release of the 2024 Senior Secondary Certificate Examinations (SSCE) results, revealing that 60.55% of candidates passed with at least five credits, including English and Mathematics.
Although this performance is commendable, it represents a slight dip from the 61.60% pass rate recorded in 2023.Participation and Performance.
OverviewIn total, 1,376,423 students registered for the examinations, consisting of 706,950 male and 669,473 female candidates. Out of these, 1,367,736 students—702,112 males and 665,624 females—actually sat for the exams. NECO reported that 83.90% of all candidates achieved five credits in any subject, slightly lower than the 84.68% recorded last year.
The Registrar and Chief Executive of NECO, Professor Dantani Wushishi, shared these details during a press briefing at NECO’s headquarters in Minna, Niger State. He explained that the exams were conducted between June 19 and August 19, 2024, with the results released just 55 days after the last paper was written.Addressing Exam Malpractices.
While highlighting the successes, Professor Wushishi also addressed issues of examination malpractice. NECO identified 40 schools across 17 states involved in various forms of malpractice, including mass cheating.These schools have been summoned for discussions, with disciplinary actions expected to follow. One school in Ekiti State faces de-recognition for widespread cheating in two core subjects and one science subject.
Additionally, 21 exam supervisors across 12 states were recommended for blacklisting due to negligence, poor supervision, and misconduct. Despite these issues, there was a notable decrease in the number of students involved in malpractice this year, dropping to 8,437 compared to 22,030 in 2023—a 30.1% reduction.A Step in the Right Direction
The significant drop in malpractice cases signals progress in NECO’s efforts to ensure credibility in the examination process. This achievement is credited to improved supervision and the council’s commitment to upholding the integrity of the exams.Accessing Results.
Students who took part in the 2024 SSCE can now check their results on NECO’s official website. To do so, they will need their examination registration numbers.Broader Implications.The release of these results has sparked discussions about education standards in Nigeria. While the drop in malpractice is a positive sign, the slight decline in overall performance underscores the need for continued investment in education quality. Educators, parents, and policymakers are being urged to work together to address challenges that may hinder students’ academic achievements.Summary of Key Figures:Registered Candidates: 1,376,423
Male: 706,950Female: 669,473Students Who Sat for Exams: 1,367,736Male: 702,112Female: 665,624Pass Rate for Five Credits Including English and Math: 60.55% (2024) vs. 61.60% (2023).
