The National Examinations Council (NECO) is one of Nigeria’s leading examination bodies, responsible for conducting the Senior Secondary Certificate Examinations (SSCE) and the General Certificate Examinations (GCE). Checking your NECO result is a crucial step toward progressing to higher education or securing job opportunities. Whether you’re a student, parent, or school administrator, this comprehensive guide will show you everything you need to know about how to check NECO results in 2025.
In this article, we will break down each step, including how to get your NECO token, interpret your grades, print your result, and even resolve common issues. Let’s dive in!
What is NECO?
NECO stands for the National Examinations Council, established by the Nigerian government in 1999. It was created to reduce reliance on foreign exam boards and ensure Nigeria’s secondary school students have a robust, localised examination process.
NECO conducts two major types of exams:
- SSCE Internal: For students in their final year of secondary school (typically June/July).
- SSCE External (GCE): For private candidates (typically Nov/Dec).
NECO has earned a reputation for credible and timely results, and it plays a vital role in Nigeria’s academic ecosystem.
When Are NECO Results Released?
NECO typically releases results within 45 to 60 days after the final exam paper is written. For 2025, here is the expected timeline:
- NECO SSCE (Internal) 2025: Results expected around August/September.
- NECO GCE (External) 2025: Results expected around February 2026.
To stay updated, students should:
- Follow NECO’s official social media handles.
- Visit www.neco.gov.ng.
- Listen for announcements in school or from teachers.
Requirements to Check NECO Result
Before checking your NECO result, ensure you have the following:
- NECO Examination Number: A unique 10-digit number given during registration.
- Examination Year: E.g., 2025.7
- NECO Result Token: A digital scratch card used to access the result online.
- Internet Connection & Device: Smartphone, tablet, or computer with a browser.
Without these items, you won’t be able to access your result online.
Step-by-Step Guide on How to Check NECO Result Online
Follow these detailed steps to check your NECO result via the official portal:
- Visit the NECO Result Portal
- Go to https://result.neco.gov.ng.
- Select Exam Year
- Choose “2025” from the drop-down list.
Select Exam Type:
- Choose between “SSCE INTERNAL” or “SSCE EXTERNAL” depending on the exam you wrote.
Enter Your NECO Examination Number:
- Example: 1234567890
Input Your Token:
- Paste the token purchased online or from an accredited vendor.
Click on “Check Result”:
- Your grades will appear on the screen.
Review and Print:
Use the print function on your browser to save or print the result for future use.
How to Purchase NECO Token Online
The NECO token is essential to access results. Here is a step-by-step process to buy it:
What is a NECO Token?
A NECO token is a digital code that grants access to a candidate’s result. It replaces the older scratch card model.
Where to Buy NECO Token
- NECO Official Website: https://result.neco.gov.ng
- Accredited Vendors: Banks or authorised resellers
How to Buy from NECO Portal
- Visit https://result.neco.gov.ng
- Click on “Buy Token”
- Register or log in using a valid email
- Fund your wallet using a debit card or a bank transfer
- Click “Generate Token”
- Copy the token code for result checking
Token Cost
- Approximately N1,000 – N1,200
- Can be used up to five times for the same candidate
Alternative Ways to Check NECO Result
While online checking is the most common method, here are a few alternatives:
NECO Mobile App
If available, download the NECO app from the Play Store. Log in and follow similar steps to check the result.
SMS Method
As of 2025, NECO has phased out SMS result checking. Always verify on their official portal.
Through Schools
If you are unable to check online, visit your school administration. Most schools receive a printed copy of their candidates’ results.
Common Issues and How to Resolve Them
Invalid Exam Number:
- Double-check the digits
- Ask the school exam officer if unsure
Token Already Used:
- Tokens can be used 5 times. Buy a new one if the limit is reached.
Website Not Loading:
- Try accessing during off-peak hours
- Clear browser cache or try another device
Forgotten Registration Number:
- Contact your school for a copy of the NECO exam slip
Result Withheld or “No Result”:
- Maybe due to malpractice or technical issues
- Contact the NECO office or the school authority
How to Print NECO Result
Printing your result is simple:
- Follow the steps to view your result
- Once displayed, press Ctrl + P on your keyboard (Windows) or Command + P (Mac)
- Choose to print or save as a PDF
- Use a good printer for physical copies
Ensure the printed copy is clear and shows your full name, exam number, and grades for official use.
How to Use NECO Result for Admission
After checking your result, the next step is to use it for school admission:
- Uploading NECO Result to JAMB Portal
- Log in to https://portal.jamb.gov.ng
- Visit any accredited CBT centre to upload if not already done
- Post-UTME Screening
- Most universities require your NECO result during screening
- Print your result and take it along with other documents
- Accepted by Nigerian and International Schools
- Most Nigerian universities and polytechnics accept NECO
Some foreign institutions in Ghana, South Africa, and the UK also recognise it
NECO Grading System Explained
Grade
Interpretation
Score Range
A1
Excellent
75% – 100%
B2
Very Good
70% – 74%
B3
Good
65% – 69%
C4
Credit
60% – 64%
C5
Credit
55% – 59%
C6
Credit
50% – 54%
D7
Pass
45% – 49%
E8
Pass
40% – 44%
F9
Fail
0% – 39%
A minimum of five credits (including English and Mathematics) is required for most admissions.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Is NECO result accepted internationally?
Yes, many international schools accept NECO, but it’s always best to verify with the institution.
Q2: Can I combine NECO and WAEC for admission?
Yes, most Nigerian universities accept a combination of NECO and WAEC.
Q3: What if I lost my NECO exam number?
Request a duplicate slip from your school or contact the NECO support team for assistance.
Q4: How many times can I use one NECO token?
Each token can be used five times per candidate.
Q5: How long is NECO result valid?
NECO results do not expire and can be used for future applications.
Tips for Candidates After Checking Results
If You Passed:
- Prepare documents for JAMB and university screening
- Secure post-UTME forms quickly
If You Failed Some Subjects:
- Consider enrolling for NECO GCE (Nov/Dec)
- Combine results if necessary
Career Counselling:
- Speak to school counsellors about career options
Conclusion
Checking your NECO result doesn’t have to be stressful. By following this comprehensive guide, you can navigate the process smoothly and take the next step in your academic or career journey. Ensure you use the official NECO website, secure your token on time, and resolve any issues promptly.
Good luck to all NECO candidates in 2025!
