According to the notice, the revised structure of English Language Paper III will comprise six sections: Antonyms (10 questions), Appropriateness of Registers (10 questions), Appropriate Interpretation of Idioms, Phrasal Verbs, and Foreign Words (10 questions), Synonyms (10 questions), Grammatical Structures (30 questions), and Cloze Text (10 questions). Additionally, the time allocated for the paper will be reduced to 50 minutes, reflecting NECO’s intent to make the exam more efficient while maintaining its rigor.
Full Transition to Computer-Based Testing by 2025
In a related development, NECO has confirmed its transition to a fully computer-based testing (CBT) system for the November/December 2025 SSCE External, as reported by *PUNCH Online* on August 29. This shift aligns with the Federal Government’s July 2025 directive to deploy both private and public CBT centres nationwide for school-based SSCEs by 2026. The move is part of a broader effort to modernize Nigeria’s examination system, reduce malpractices, and improve operational efficiency.
NECO has invited CBT centre operators across the country to apply for accreditation, emphasizing stringent technical, infrastructural, and security requirements to ensure the integrity of the examination process. The adoption of CBT is expected to enhance accessibility to digital education, streamline result processing, and curb examination malpractices that have long plagued traditional paper-based systems. “This transition is a game-changer for Nigeria’s education sector,” a NECO spokesperson said. “It will not only improve efficiency but also align our examination system with global digital standards.”
Enhancing Education Through Technology
The reduction in the number of questions and the shift to CBT reflect NECO’s commitment to improving the quality and accessibility of education in Nigeria. By restructuring the English Language Paper III, NECO aims to create a more focused and manageable assessment that better evaluates students’ linguistic competencies. The emphasis on diverse question types, such as grammatical structures and idiomatic expressions, ensures a comprehensive evaluation while reducing the cognitive load on candidates.
The transition to CBT follows the Federal Government’s broader push to integrate technology into education, as seen in recent initiatives like the migration of West African Examinations Council (WAEC) exams to computer-based formats. NECO’s adoption of CBT is expected to benefit millions of students by providing a more secure and efficient testing environment. The council has also prioritized inclusivity, with plans to ensure that CBT centres are accessible to students in underserved areas and those with disabilities.
Stakeholder Reactions and Next Steps
Education stakeholders have welcomed NECO’s reforms, though some have raised concerns about the readiness of infrastructure in rural areas. “The move to CBT is progressive, but the government must ensure that CBT centres are evenly distributed and equipped to handle large-scale exams,” said Adeola Adeyemi, a school principal in Lagos. NECO has assured stakeholders that it is working closely with the Federal Ministry of Education to address infrastructural gaps and ensure a seamless rollout.
As Nigeria prepares for this transformative shift, NECO’s invitation for CBT centre accreditation signals a collaborative approach to modernizing the education system. The council has urged operators to meet the required standards, emphasizing robust security measures to safeguard examination integrity. With these changes, NECO is poised to set a new standard for educational assessments in Nigeria, fostering a more equitable and technologically advanced system for future generations.