NECO has been clear on 2026 June/July SSCE modes. Schools must use their assigned exam mode.
- The exam is by PPT and CBE across all states
- CBE schools must sit strictly by CBE
- PPT schools must keep the paper-pencil mode
- Mode switching at this stage is not allowed
- State Coordinators cannot approve mode changes
Read on for the full directive, what schools must do and what State Coordinators are to enforce.
The National Examinations Council, NECO, has issued a directive on strict compliance with the approved dual-mode conduct of the 2026 June/July Senior School Certificate Examination, SSCE.
The notice was from the Registrar/Chief Executive to all State Coordinators and Administrators.
SEE ALSO:NECO BECE Current Re-Sit Examination 2026: Date- Fee- Subjects And Registration Rules
What Has NECO Directed Schools to Do?
NECO has directed schools to comply strictly with the examination mode already allocated to them for the ongoing 2026 June/July SSCE.
The examination is being conducted through two approved modes.
The two modes are Paper-Pencil Test, PPT and Computer-Based Examination, CBE and both modes are being used across all states for the conduct of the examination.
Why Has NECO Issued This Directive?
NECO stated that some schools were attempting to avoid the Computer-Based Examination mode, despite clear directives from the Honourable Minister of Education and the Management of the National Examinations Council.
The Council has now directed State Coordinators and Examination Administrators to ensure strict compliance.
Schools are expected to follow the mode officially given to them.
Can a School Slated for CBE Switch to Paper-Pencil Test?
A school officially slated for Computer-Based Examination must conduct its examination strictly through CBE.
The Council has stated that all schools that received official notification for CBE must sit the examination through the CBE mode.
No school is permitted to move from CBE to Paper-Pencil Test at this stage.
Can a School Allocated to PPT Switch to CBE?
A school allocated to the Paper-Pencil Test mode must comply strictly with that mode.
NECO has stated that each school must keep the mode already assigned, since logistics and preparations have already been concluded.
This means late switching from one examination mode to another is not allowed.
Who Approved the Allocation of Schools to Exam Modes?
The allocation of schools to their examination modes was carried out by the Federal Ministry of Education and NECO.
The Council stated that the allocation followed a nationwide mapping exercise.
Each school’s mode was therefore fixed before the current stage of the examination.
Can State Coordinators Approve a Change of Exam Mode?
State Coordinators do not have the mandate or authority to approve any change of examination mode for any school.
Any school seeking a change of mode should be briefed on the Council’s directive.
State Coordinators are to stop receiving such requests from schools.
What Happens to Earlier Requests to Switch Modes?
All requests earlier submitted by schools to switch examination modes during this period have not been approved.
The Council has directed State Coordinators to clear the air by briefing affected schools.
Schools should continue with the examination mode allocated to them.
What Should Examination Administrators and State Coordinators Note?
Examination Administrators and State Coordinators are to treat the CBE mode with the same weight, priority and standing as the Paper-Pencil Test mode.
NECO has stated that the conduct of the CBE mode is part of the Council’s mandate.
All officers covered by the directive are to be guided by the notice.
What Does This Mean for Schools Sitting the 2026 June/July SSCE?
Schools should check the mode officially allocated to them, follow the Council’s notification and avoid any local change arrangement.
CBE schools will be expected to sit through CBE.
PPT schools will be expected to sit through Paper-Pencil Test.
Any request for a change of mode at this stage has not been approved by the Council.