What Is NECO?

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NECO stands for National Examinations Council. It is a Nigerian examination body that organizes the Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (SSCE) for secondary school students, just like WAEC.

NECO is a fully recognized O’level result accepted by universities, polytechnics, colleges, and even international schools (depending on country).

There are two major NECO exams:

• NECO Internal (June/July) – for SS3 students in schools

• NECO GCE (Nov/Dec) – for external/private candidates

Can I Gain Admission with NECO in Nigeria 2025/2026?

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Yes, you can gain admission with NECO into any Nigerian university, polytechnic, or college for the 2025/2026 academic year, as long as you:

• Have at least 5 credits including English and Mathematics

• Register and write JAMB UTME

• Meet the subject requirements for your course

• Pass Post-UTME or screening

NECO is equal in value to WAEC and accepted nationwide.

List of Federal Universities That Accept NECO

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The following federal universities in Nigeria accept NECO results for admission:

University of Lagos (UNILAG)

Accepts NECO for all courses. Requires at least 5 credits.

University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN)

NECO result accepted for all programs.

Ahmadu Bello University (ABU Zaria)

NECO accepted for Science, Arts, Education, and Medical courses.

Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA)

NECO is accepted for Engineering and Tech courses.

University of Ilorin (UNILORIN)

NECO accepted with proper subject combinations.

University of Benin (UNIBEN)

NECO is treated equally with WAEC.

Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB)

NECO result accepted for Agric, Science & Engineering courses.

Federal University, Oye-Ekiti (FUOYE)

NECO results accepted; ensure you meet the cutoff mark.

Federal University Dutse, Jigawa

NECO results are accepted for UTME and Direct Entry.

Federal University Lafia

NECO is accepted for all faculties.

All other federal universities officially accept NECO as long as it meets entry requirements.

List of State Universities That Accept NECO

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NECO results are also accepted by all Nigerian state universities, including:

Lagos State University (LASU)

NECO accepted for UTME and Direct Entry admissions.

Rivers State University (RSU)

You can use NECO to apply for Engineering, Law, Management, etc.

Ekiti State University (EKSU)

NECO results accepted in both 1st and 2nd choice admissions.

Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU)

NECO treated the same as WAEC and GCE.

Imo State University (IMSU)

NECO accepted across all courses.

Delta State University (DELSU)

NECO result allowed for JAMB and DE applications.

Abia State University (ABSU)

NECO fully accepted.

Nasarawa State University

NECO result accepted; just ensure required subjects are passed.

Most state universities allow NECO + WAEC or NECO + NECO (2 sittings).

Private Universities That Accept NECO

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Almost all private universities in Nigeria accept NECO for admission. Examples include:

Covenant University

NECO result accepted for all courses.

Babcock University

Requires minimum of 5 credits, NECO accepted.

Afe Babalola University

NECO accepted for Law, Medicine, Nursing, Engineering.

Landmark University

NECO result valid for admission in Agriculture, Science, and Engineering.

Bowen University

NECO accepted; they also allow result combinations.

Redeemer’s University

NECO result accepted just like WAEC or GCE.

Bells University of Technology

NECO accepted for engineering and technology courses.

Private universities are more flexible and accept NECO for all their programmes.

Polytechnics and Colleges That Accept NECO

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All accredited polytechnics and colleges of education in Nigeria accept NECO. Examples include:

Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH)

NECO accepted for all ND and HND programmes.

Federal Polytechnic Ilaro

Accepts NECO and allows combinations.

Auchi Polytechnic

NECO result accepted for both Engineering and Business courses.

The Polytechnic Ibadan

Allows NECO for UTME admissions.

Federal College of Education (Zaria, Kano, etc.)

NECO accepted for NCE and degree programmes.

Adeyemi College of Education

NECO accepted for UTME and DE students.

Whether you’re applying for ND, HND, or NCE, NECO is widely accepted.

NECO vs WAEC vs GCE: Which One Is Better?

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All three results are accepted equally. Choose the one that fits your study plan.

How to Use NECO Result for Admission (Step-by-Step Guide)

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Step 1: Register and Write JAMB

• Visit JAMB Portal

• Choose your course and institution

• Use your NECO result or “awaiting result” if not yet out

Step 2: Upload NECO Result on JAMB Portal

• After result release, login to JAMB CAPS

• Upload your complete NECO result

• Make sure all subjects show correctly

Step 3: Apply for Post-UTME or Screening

• Visit your school’s admission portal

• Register for post-UTME or online screening

• Submit NECO result and JAMB score

Step 4: Monitor Your JAMB CAPS Admission Status

• Accept admission when offered

• Print admission letter

Step 5: Proceed to School for Registration

• Complete physical verification and course registration

• Tip: Ensure your NECO name and JAMB name match exactly.

Pros and Cons of Using NECO for Admission

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Pros (Advantages)

• Accepted Nationwide – NECO is recognized everywhere in Nigeria

• Easy to Pass – Questions follow Nigerian curriculum closely

• Affordable – Registration cost is lower than WAEC

• Can Combine with Other Results – NECO + WAEC is valid

Cons (Disadvantages)

• Less Popular Outside Nigeria – Some foreign schools prefer WAEC

• Some Students Look Down on It – But it’s still 100% valid

• Late Result Release Sometimes – May delay Post-UTME

Real-Life Examples of Students Who Used NECO

 Example 1: Musa from Kano

Musa wrote only NECO in 2024. He passed all subjects and applied to BUK (Bayero University). He got in to study Physics without any WAEC result.

 Example 2: Ifeoma from Enugu

Ifeoma failed English in WAEC, wrote NECO the same year and passed. She used WAEC + NECO (2 sittings) and got admitted into UNN for Law.

 Example 3: John from Lagos

John used NECO only and scored 280 in JAMB. He got into LASU Computer Science without any issues.

 Lesson: NECO is real and works perfectly for admission when used properly.

Summary Table

 Top 10+ FAQs About NECO and Admission

1. Can I gain admission with NECO only?

Yes. NECO alone is enough as long as you have 5 credits.

2. Is NECO accepted by all Nigerian universities?

Yes. Federal, state, and private universities accept NECO.

3. Can I combine NECO and WAEC results?

 Yes. Most schools allow combining NECO with WAEC or GCE.

4. Is NECO harder than WAEC?

 No. NECO often follows the school curriculum closely and is easier for many.

5. Can I use NECO to apply abroad?

 Not in all countries. WAEC is more recognized internationally.

6. When will NECO 2025 results come out?

 Usually 2–3 months after the exam (around Sept/Oct).

7. Can I write JAMB with NECO awaiting result?

Yes. But upload the result immediately after release.

8. Can I study Medicine with NECO result?

Yes, as long as you have the required credits.

9. Is NECO accepted for Direct Entry (DE)?

Yes. NECO + A’level/NCE/HND is valid for DE admission.

10. Do polytechnics accept NECO?

Yes. All accredited polytechnics accept NECO.

11. Is NECO result valid for life?

Yes. NECO results do not expire.

Conclusion

If you’ve been asking, “Can I gain admission with NECO in 2025/2026?” – the answer is YES.

NECO is:

• Fully accepted by all Nigerian institutions

• Equal to WAEC and GCE

• Good for both UTME and Direct Entry

• Allowed in 1 or 2 sittings

• Great for those seeking affordable and valid O’level qualifications

Whether you’re applying to UNILAG, LASU, FUOYE, Babcock, YABATECH, or any other school, your NECO result will be recognized and accepted—as long as you meet all the other requirements.