How Many Pupils Participated in the 2025 National Common Entrance Examination

A total of 64,000 candidates participated in the 2025 National Common Entrance Examination (NCEE) conducted across Nigeria and neighbouring countries for admission into Federal Government Colleges (Unity Schools).

The examination, organised by the National Examinations Council (NECO), also recorded participation from candidates in Nigeria, Benin Republic, and Togo, reflecting the regional scope of the exercise.

According to education officials who monitored the exercise, the turnout demonstrated continued interest in admission into Nigeria’s unity schools, which remain a key part of the federal education system.

Speaking during a monitoring visit, the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Ahmad, expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the examination and the orderly participation of candidates.

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She said:

“I am very happy with the way the exams have been conducted. They started on time, students were orderly, and invigilators were present and active. We had 64,000 candidates, 30,000 male and 34,000 female, which shows a strong interest in our unity colleges.”

NECO’s Registrar, Prof. Ibrahim Wushishi, also confirmed the figure, noting that Lagos State recorded the highest number of candidates with over 15,000 registrations, while the lowest participation came from Togo, with just 17 candidates.

He further explained that a small number of candidates from neighbouring countries were mainly Nigerian citizens residing abroad, emphasizing the exam’s regional inclusiveness.

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Officials also reported that the examination was conducted smoothly across centres, with no major incidents recorded, as materials arrived on time and candidates complied with examination rules.

The Common Entrance Examination remains a key pathway for pupils seeking admission into Nigeria’s Federal Government Colleges, which are widely regarded as institutions for promoting national unity and academic excellence.