64,000 Candidates Sit Seamlessly as Confidence in Unity Schools Soars
The 2025 National Common Entrance Examination (NCEE) has been hailed as a major success, recording the highest number of participants in recent history—64,000 candidates—without any logistical hitches across centers nationwide.
Speaking during a monitoring tour in Abuja, Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Said Ahmad, described the process as a “silent testimony” to the strength and growing prestige of Nigeria’s Unity Schools. “Everything started on time, the students were orderly, and invigilators were fully present. I have not seen a single challenge,” she noted.
The surge in participation—34,000 girls and 30,000 boys—reflects rising public confidence and steady progress toward gender parity in education. “Parents still believe in the unity colleges. It’s a powerful sign that the system is trusted and functional,” the Minister added.
Inclusivity was a defining feature of this year’s exams. At several centers, special provisions were made for candidates with special needs. A non-verbal autistic pupil was seen participating under the guidance of a trained aide, while blind candidates were provided Braille materials and assistive tools. The Registrar of the National Examinations Council (NECO), Prof. Ibrahim Dantani Wushishi, confirmed the nationwide rollout of such support systems, affirming, “We don’t just talk about inclusion; we are doing it.”
Prof. Wushishi emphasized the broader role of Unity Schools in national development: “These examination halls are Nigeria in miniature—diverse, determined, and united by ambition.”
Officials hope this seamless execution will serve as a blueprint for improving other national exams, especially the Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE), which has faced recurring challenges. “If exams can start on time, with adequate materials and proper monitoring, we build credibility into the system,” said Prof. Suwaiba.
Key Highlights of the 2025 NCEE:
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Record Participation: 64,000 candidates, with a healthy gender balance.
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Operational Efficiency: Punctual starts, full staffing, and well-coordinated logistics across all centers.
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Inclusive Testing: Support for candidates with autism and visual impairments implemented nationwide.
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Symbolic Unity: Students from diverse regions tested side-by-side, reflecting national cohesion.
The 2025 NCEE stands out as a landmark moment in Nigeria’s basic education system, raising the bar for inclusivity, trust, and efficiency in national examinations.
Elijah Adeyemi
