The National Examinations Council (NECO) has announced a reduction in the number of objective questions for the English Language Paper III in the Senior Secondary Certificate Examination Internal.
Effective from the 2026 SSCE Internal exams, the total number of questions will be cut from 100 to 80.
In an official notification made available to newsmen on Wednesday, signed by the State Coordinator for Osun State, Sunday K. Bolaji, and dated September 1, 2025, the new paper structure was detailed to include six sections:
- Antonyms (10 questions)
- Appropriateness of Registers (10 questions)
- Appropriate Interpretation of Idioms, Phrasal Verbs, and Foreign Words (10 questions)
- Synonyms (10 questions)
- Grammatical Structures (30 questions)
- Cloze Text (10 questions)
The time allocated for Paper III has also been adjusted to 50 minutes. According to NECO, the move aims “to streamline the examination process and enhance the testing experience for students.”
NECO Moves Towards Computer-Based Testing
The development comes as NECO prepares for a full migration from the traditional paper-and-pencil examination method to a computer-based testing (CBT) system.
The transition will begin with the November/December 2025 SSCE External examinations. NECO had earlier confirmed this change on August 29, noting it would be the first major step towards nationwide implementation.
This shift aligns with the Federal Government’s July 2025 directive to deploy both private and public CBT centres across the country for school-based SSCEs by 2026.
Strict Rules for CBT Centres
To ensure integrity and smooth implementation, NECO has invited interested CBT centre operators to apply for accreditation under strict technical, infrastructural, and security requirements.
The requirements include a minimum of 150 functional computer systems, backup power supply, CCTV monitoring, air-conditioned halls with individual cubicles, and at least two trained technical staff per centre. NECO stressed that “make-shift CBT centres are not allowed; all centres must therefore be dedicated CBT centres that are used and maintained as such all year round.”
Raising Standards, Reducing Stress
With the reduction in questions and the embrace of CBT, NECO says it is taking steps to modernise Nigeria’s examination system, cut down on malpractice, and improve efficiency, while also easing pressure on candidates.
The reforms are expected to make the exams more student-friendly while positioning NECO as a leading body in digital assessment nationwide.