NECO Releases Hall Rules as CBT Exams Start in November 2025

The National Examinations Council (NECO) has announced its intention to discontinue the traditional paper-and-pencil examination method.

Starting with the November/December 2025 SSCE External, all assessments will transition to a fully computer-based format.

In July, the Federal Government disclosed that both privately owned CBT centers and those belonging to public institutions will be fully utilized for conducting the school-based SSCE by 2026.

In a statement published on PUNCH Online on Wednesday, the Council confirmed, “The National Examinations Council (NECO) has finalized plans to switch from paper-and-pencil to computer-based examinations, commencing with the 2025 November/December Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) External.”

To facilitate this transition, NECO has called upon “interested Computer-Based Centre Operators” nationwide to submit registration applications, which must meet stringent technical, infrastructural, and security criteria.

The examination body indicated it would provide detailed guidelines on the necessary hall requirements, system standards, and security protocols.

Among the essential specifications, each center is required to have “at least 150 operational computer systems/laptops with 10% backups,” robust servers, cubicles of designated dimensions, climate-controlled rooms, CCTV surveillance utilizing IP cameras, and stable internet connections from MTN or Airtel.

The council further emphasized that “temporary CBT centers are prohibited; all centers must therefore be dedicated CBT centers that are utilized and maintained as such throughout the year.”

Regarding security and integrity, NECO mandated that CBT personnel must possess high moral standards: “All personnel at the CBE center (including technical staff) should be reliable and trustworthy.

“They must be individuals of high integrity capable of ensuring the credibility of the examination process.”

The Council insisted that facilities must include “sufficient backup power supply (minimum 40 kVA generator, UPS/inverters with at least three hours capacity), internal restrooms, waiting rooms for candidates, and secured premises with adequate protection.”

Here is a compilation of conditions for hall, system, personnel, and facilities requirements:

APPLICATION FROM COMPUTER-BASED EXAMINATION (CBE) CENTER OPERATORS.

The National Examinations Council (NECO) has finalized arrangements to transition from paper-and-pencil to computer-based examinations, starting with the 2025 November/December Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) External.

Interested computer-based center operators are invited to apply for registration with the council based on the following criteria.

COMPUTER-BASED EXAMINATION (CBE) CENTRE REQUIREMENTS AND GUIDELINES

A. System Requirements

1. A minimum of 150 operational computer systems/laptops with 10% (i.e., 15) backups must meet the following minimum specifications:
Intel-based processor, dual-core Celeron/Pentium, RAM: 4GB RAM, HDD: SSD preferred, 32GB minimum, Windows 10, 10/100MB RJ45 Network Port, and browser (latest versions of Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, or Microsoft Edge).

2. The minimum size for flat-screen monitors for desktops should be 15 inches, while laptops should be 17 inches.

3. The computer systems must connect to a robust server capable of supporting at least 150 systems simultaneously.

4. Updated antivirus software should be provided, and all systems must be free of viruses.

5. All computer systems must be interconnected using a star topology on a Cable Local Area Network (LAN). (Wireless connections for computers are not allowed.)

6. Switches must have an uninterrupted power supply throughout the examination period.

7. Gigabit switches are the recommended type, and each center should include two backup switches.

B. Hall Requirements

8. Individual cubicles should be provided with a minimum length of 26 inches, a breadth of 18 inches, and a height of 18 inches, along with suitable seating for each system.

9. Sufficient and functional air-conditioning and lighting must be available.

10. A prescribed CCTV network with IP cameras for surveillance must be in place.

11. The CCTV must be wired; no wireless CCTV will be permitted.

12. Exposed or loose cables should not be present in the examination hall; therefore, all cables must be properly secured in trunking.

13. Network coverage: Strong MTN or AIRTEL signals must be present at the center’s location.

14. Sufficient wall clocks must be present in the examination hall to ensure visibility for all candidates, as they will no longer be permitted to bring wristwatches into the venue. 15. Temporary CBT centers are prohibited; all centers must be officially designated CBT locations that are consistently utilized and maintained throughout the entire year.

16. The center should not be located in shared venues such as cinemas, shopping malls, or markets.

C. Requirements for Facilities and Personnel

17. A backup power supply must be available, including a power-generating unit with a minimum capacity of 40 kVA for a center accommodating 250 systems, along with UPS/inverters capable of sustaining all systems for at least three (3) hours.

18. There should be sufficient CBE staff, consisting of two technical personnel and one network engineer. 19. All personnel at the CBE center, including technical staff, must be reliable and trustworthy. They should possess high integrity to guarantee the credibility of the examination process.

20. Provision must be made for a sufficient holding room or reception area, such as a canopy with chairs.