Every year, millions of students across Nigeria eagerly prepare for one of the most pivotal moments in their academic journey: the National Examinations Council (NECO) exams. Whether it’s the Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) for regular school students or the External GCE for private candidates, the registration process is a crucial first step. For the 2025 exam cycle, understanding the registration fees is essential for both students and parents. In this editorial, we’ll delve into how much the NECO 2025 registration costs, breaking down the details of each fee, and why it’s vital to register on time.
The Basics of NECO Registration Fees
The NECO 2025 registration fees are divided into two main categories: SSCE Internal for school-based candidates and SSCE External for private candidates. Knowing the differences between these categories is key for understanding the costs involved.
For SSCE Internal, which is the exam taken by students currently enrolled in secondary schools, the registration fee stands at ₦27,000. This fee covers the essential registration cost, and it includes one mandatory material – the photo album. For those taking exams in math-related subjects, the Four-figure Mathematical Tables are available for ₦500. Additionally, if you want to keep your certificate safe, you can purchase the Waterproof Certificate Jacket/Folder for ₦2,500.
But wait, there’s more. Schools are also responsible for paying a Unviable Centre Fee of ₦70,000 if they register fewer than 20 candidates. This fee ensures that the examination center remains viable.
On the other hand, SSCE External candidates, often referred to as GCE candidates, face a slightly higher registration fee. The cost is ₦30,000 per candidate, which covers the same materials as the internal exam, including the Four-figure Mathematical Tables and Waterproof Certificate Jacket/Folder.
Additional Costs That Can Add Up
While the main registration fees are the primary expenses to consider, there are several additional charges that candidates should be aware of:
- Stamp Duty: A small, obligatory fee applied during registration.
- Service Charges: These charges are standard for processing the registration.
- Remita Charges: For those registering online, you’ll need to pay Remita processing fees, which vary depending on the payment method used.
These extra charges may seem small individually, but they can add up, especially when combined with the other fees. It’s crucial to keep this in mind when budgeting for the NECO 2025 registration.
How Much Is WAEC and NECO Registration in 2025?
When it comes to key examinations in Nigeria, NECO and WAEC are at the top of the list. Understanding the costs of both exams helps families budget more effectively.
For WAEC, the registration fee is slightly more than NECO’s SSCE Internal exam, typically around ₦27,000, which is comparable to the cost of NECO’s SSCE Internal registration. However, NECO External candidates face a higher cost, with the registration fee set at ₦30,000, compared to WAEC’s standard fees.
Though the fees for WAEC and NECO are similar, there are some differences in the services provided. NECO offers a higher late registration penalty for external candidates, which can add an additional ₦5,000 to the base cost of ₦30,000 if registration is delayed. So, when comparing WAEC and NECO registration costs, both exams are relatively close in price, but NECO’s late fees are something to keep in mind.
What Is Included in the NECO 2025 Registration Fees?
For those planning to register for NECO 2025, it’s important to know exactly what is included in the registration fees. Here’s a breakdown of what the ₦27,000 for SSCE Internal and the ₦30,000 for SSCE External cover:
- Registration Fee: This is the base fee, and it’s non-negotiable. It includes the cost of exam processing and basic materials.
- Photo Album: Every candidate is required to purchase a photo album, which is mandatory for registration.
- Four-figure Mathematical Tables: This is an optional purchase, primarily for those taking math-related exams.
- Waterproof Certificate Jacket/Folder: This is another optional purchase designed to protect the certificate upon completion of the exam.
- Syllabus: A syllabus for ₦2,000 is available, though it’s not compulsory.
Candidates should keep in mind that the NECO registration fee covers only these essential items, and any additional purchases such as the mathematical tables or waterproof folders are optional, though useful.
How to Register for NECO 2025: Step-by-Step
The NECO registration process is relatively straightforward, and it’s primarily done online. Here’s how to register for NECO 2025:
- Visit the NECO website: Go to the official NECO website at neco.gov.ng.
- Create an account: Candidates need to create an account using their email or phone number, and activate it before proceeding to make payment.
- Choose subjects and make payments: Select your exam subjects and pay the required fees using one of the available payment options, including ATM Card, Internet Banking, USSD, and Wallet.
- Verify your payment: Once the payment is made, verify it through the NECO portal.
- Print your photo card: After verifying your payment, print your photo card. This card is essential for identification during the exam.
The NECO website offers detailed guidance on how to proceed with each step. However, schools also play a crucial role in the registration process, particularly for internal candidates.
Late Registration: What You Need to Know
For those who miss the initial registration deadline, NECO offers a late registration period, but it comes at a cost. SSCE External candidates who register late between November 19 and November 25, 2025, will incur an additional ₦5,000 late registration fee. Furthermore, those who register as walk-in candidates will pay an even higher fee of ₦43,000.
It’s important to note that late registration fees apply only to SSCE External candidates (private candidates). For internal candidates, late registration is not as common, but it’s always best to avoid delays by registering early.
The NECO 2025 Registration Timelines
To ensure that you don’t miss out on registering for NECO 2025, it’s essential to be aware of the key dates:
- SSCE Internal Registration: Begins on November 11, 2024, and ends on June 6, 2025.
- Late Registration for SSCE Internal: June 7-10, 2025.
- SSCE External Registration: Starts on July 7, 2025, and ends on November 18, 2025.
- Late Registration for SSCE External: November 19-25, 2025 (with a ₦5,000 penalty).
By keeping these dates in mind, you can ensure that your registration is completed well before the deadline, avoiding late fees and ensuring ample time to prepare for the exams.
Start Early to Avoid Extra Costs
As the 2025 NECO registration approaches, it’s crucial for students and their families to budget carefully and plan ahead. With NECO registration fees set at ₦27,000 for internal candidates and ₦30,000 for external candidates, it’s essential to factor in the additional costs like photo albums, optional materials, and late registration fees.
By staying on top of the deadlines and completing the registration process early, students can avoid unnecessary penalties and ensure they are well-prepared for one of the most significant exams in their educational journey. Be sure to visit the NECO website for up-to-date information on the registration process and deadlines.
For more details, visit the official NECO website: neco.gov.ng.
