The National Examinations Council has announced that it will not extend the registration deadline for the 2026 Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (SSCE), urging schools and candidates to comply strictly with the stipulated timeline.

In an official statement issued by the Registrar and Chief Executive, Dantani Wushishi, the examination body emphasized that all registrations must be completed within the approved window. According to the council, normal registration will close on Monday, May 25, 2026, while late registration will end on Friday, May 29, 2026.

NECO called on school administrators—including proprietors, principals, and commandants—to ensure that eligible candidates are duly registered before the final cutoff dates, stressing that no further extensions will be granted under any circumstances.

The council noted that strict adherence to the deadlines is essential for the smooth conduct of the examination, which plays a critical role in determining students’ academic futures. The SSCE serves as a gateway to tertiary education, scholarships, and other post-secondary opportunities across Nigeria.

NECO warned that failure to meet the registration deadlines could bar candidates from sitting for the examination, potentially delaying their academic progression.

The announcement forms part of the council’s broader efforts to enhance efficiency in examination administration and keep stakeholders adequately informed about key processes ahead of the 2026 SSCE cycle.