Education Minister Cancels Second NECO Test Into Federal Government Colleges

Today, 18^th July, 2016, Federal Government of Nigeria cancelled the second test, otherwise known as National Common Entrance screening test conducted by the National Examination Council (NECO) for admission into Federal Government Colleges. The directive is with effect from the 2017/2018 academic year.

Minister of Education, Malam Adamu Adamu, announced the cancellation in a statement signed by the Deputy Director, Press and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Education, Mr Ben Bem Goong.

Minister of Education, Malam Adamu Adamu

On reasons for the cancellation, Adamu Adamu stated that the second test was an unnecessary additional financial burden on parents/guardians, describing it as unacceptable.

The Minister said the era of multiple examinations attracting prohibitive fees could be accommodated by the President Muhammadu Buhari administration, especially against the backdrop of government’s determination to increase access to education as a platform for breaking the cycle of poverty.

The Minister therefore directed the National Examinations Council (NECO) to strengthen its examination processes with a view to achieving a quality and credible National Common Entrance Examination for admission into unity schools at the first test.