The Digest:
The National Examinations Council (NECO) has released the results for the 2025 Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) External. Out of 96,979 registered candidates, 68,166, representing 71.63%, achieved five credits, including English Language and Mathematics. The Registrar, Prof. Ibrahim Wushishi, announced that 86.26% of candidates scored five credits and above, irrespective of these two core subjects. However, the council reported a significant increase in exam malpractice, with 9,016 cases compared to 6,160 in 2024, a 31.7% rise. Five supervisors were blacklisted for aiding malpractice, and four examination centres were recommended for de-registration.
Key Points:
- The overall pass rate indicates a stable level of academic performance among external candidates, though the figure is often scrutinized for its reliability.
- The sharp increase in malpractice cases highlights a persistent systemic challenge, undermining the integrity and credibility of the national examination.
- The blacklisting of supervisors and centres signals an attempt to enforce accountability, but the rise in cases suggests deeper, unresolved issues in exam administration.
- For candidates, these results are critical for higher education admission and employment, making the integrity of the process paramount.
- The gender disparity in registration, with more male candidates, reflects broader trends in educational participation that may require policy attention.
While the results provide a pathway for many, the marked rise in malpractice underscores an urgent need for more effective safeguards to restore and maintain the examination's credibility.
Sources: Daily Post
