From Dan Amasingha, Minna

The National Examinations Council (NECO) has released the results of the 2025 Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) for External Candidates, 52 days after the last paper was written, with 71.63 per cent of candidates achieving five credits and above, including English Language and Mathematics.

The results were announced yesterday at NECO’s headquarters in Minna, Niger State, by the Registrar and Chief Executive, Prof.

Dantani Wushishi, during a press briefing and a video statement posted on the council’s official X handle.

According to Prof. Wushishi, a total of 96,979 candidates registered for the examination, comprising 51,823 males (53.

43 per cent) and 45,156 females (46.56 per cent). Out of this number, 95,160 candidates actually sat for the examination, which covered 16 subjects.

A breakdown of the performance shows that 93,425 candidates sat for English Language, out of which 73,167, representing 78.32 per cent, obtained credit and above. In Mathematics, 93,330 candidates participated, with 85,256 candidates, or 91.36 per cent, scoring credit and above.

Overall, 68,166 candidates, representing 71.63 per cent, obtained five credits and above, including English Language and Mathematics. In addition, 82,082 candidates, or 86.26 per cent, achieved five credits and above irrespective of English and Mathematics.

Prof. Wushishi reiterated NECO’s zero tolerance for examination malpractice, noting that while standards and examination integrity were maintained from planning to result release, cases of malpractice increased significantly. He disclosed that 9,016 cases of examination malpractice were recorded in 2025, compared with 6,160 cases in 2024, representing an increase of about 31 per cent.

As part of disciplinary measures, five supervisors—two from the Federal Capital Territory and one each from Kano, Adamawa and Ondo States—were recommended for blacklisting for aiding and abetting malpractice. Additionally, four examination centres—two in Niger State and one each in Yobe and Kano States—were recommended for de-recognition over involvement in whole-centre malpractice.

The Registrar advised candidates to check their results on NECO’s official website using their examination registration numbers.

The SSCE External Examination is designed mainly for private candidates who are outside the regular school system, including those seeking to obtain certification or improve previously earned grades.

From Joseph Amedu, Lokoja

The Federal University, Lokoja (FUL), has matriculated 9,097 students for the 2025/2026 academic session with a warning to them to avoid examination malpractice, cultism, and other social vices that could ruin their academic pursuit.

The Vice Chancellor of the University, Professor Olayemi Akinwumi in his speech at the 14th Matriculation Ceremony of the institution, held at the Felele Main Campus over the weekend, affirmed that the University would hold the new students accountable to the oath they have taken

“Dear matriculants, let me clearly state that with studentship comes accountability and discipline.

You are expected to take your academic work seriously.

“Please note that any student with less than 75% class attendance shall not be eligible to sit for examinations at the end of each semester. Attendance is not optional; it is mandatory.

“You must also avoid every form of examination misconduct and malpractice. The University has zero tolerance for such acts, and the penalties are severe.

“Similarly, you are advised to stay away from drug abuse and substance use, as these are corrosive habits that destroy lives and futures.

“The University equally maintains strict standards on decency in appearance. You are therefore required to comply fully with the approved dress code at all times. Decency reflects discipline, and discipline is the pathway to success.

“Be security conscious at all times, and promptly report suspicious activities to the appropriate authorities. You are also strongly advised to stay away from all forms of violent protest throughout your stay in the University. Dialogue, not violence, remains the acceptable means of engagement.

“Every matriculant is expected to obtain a copy of the Students’ Handbook, study it carefully, and adhere strictly to the rules and regulations enshrined therein. Let me emphasize that ignorance of the rules is not an excuse.

Beyond academics, I encourage you to participate actively in sporting and recreational activities, as these contribute to your physical well-being and holistic development.

“Respect your colleagues and all members of staff of the University, as mutual respect will make your stay here peaceful, productive, and fulfilling.

“Remain focused on why you are here; to learn, to grow, and to prepare for the future. Do not be an NFA—No Future Ambition student. Have a vision, set goals, and pursue them with diligence”.

From Attah Ede, Makurdi 

The Benue State College of Nursing Sciences, Makurdi, has secured full accreditation from the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) to attain full collegiate status to run Diploma and Higher Diploma programmes.

State commissioner for health and human services, Dr Paul Ejeh-Ogwuche disclosed this while speaking with journalists in Makurdi at the weekend.

Dr. Ogwuche expressed optimism that getting NBTE accreditation would afford the college full collegiate status and allow for expansion of training and admission of more students, to bring to an end the issue of shortage of nurses in the state.

He disclosed that the College of Nursing Sciences received accreditation from the Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria (NMCN) in September 2022, where its first students were indexed and currently undergoing studies.

According to him, the college has  population of over 115 students and up to date in academic sessions.

“The NBTE team undertook a resource inspection and accreditation visit to the college towards the end of last year. The reports I got so far, is satisfactory and encouraging. 

“There were infrastructural improvements, library resources, curriculum updates, and standard healthcare systems to satisfy accreditation requirements before their arrival. 

“Therefore, the NBTE team were satisfied with the facilities they met on ground and had given their approval. They have also forwarded their recommendation to the honourable minister of health for the final signature. That is the only thing we are waiting for now.

“The ministry has put necessary modalities in place to commence sale of forms for admission of students into various courses in the college. From what am hearing, is that between now and first week of February, the minister’s final approval will be out.

“Based on this, we have also concluded arrangements to move the department of nursing in the Benue State University which is currently located at the premises of college of nursing and midwifery to the university premises”, Dr. Ogwuche said.

It would be recalled that the Benue State University (BSU) in September 2024,  successfully secured accreditation for Department of Nursing to unbounded the school of nursing and midwifery to enhance healthcare training in the state.