Over 70,000 Candidates Sit for 2024 National Common Entrance Examination Amid Economic Challenges
Prof. Wushishi noted a decrease in registration compared to 2023, which had 34,064 males and 38,801 females, totaling 72,865 candidates. He attributed this decline to economic factors, as a slight increase in registration fees impacted parents' ability to afford the exam.
Binye-lum 
On Saturday, a total of 70,603 candidates participated in the 2024 National Common Entrance Examination (NCEE) conducted by the National Examinations Council (NECO) for entry into the 110 Unity Colleges across Nigeria.
NECO Registrar, Prof. Dantani Wushishi, who monitored the examination at Model Secondary School in Maitama and Government Day Secondary School in Wuse 2, Abuja, revealed that the exam took place in 599 centers nationwide. He provided a gender breakdown, stating that 33,335 males and 37,268 females registered for the exam.
READ ALSO:Young Man Works as Gateman to Pay School Fees, Graduates with 17 Distinctions in Education
Prof. Wushishi noted a decrease in registration compared to 2023, which had 34,064 males and 38,801 females, totaling 72,865 candidates. He attributed this decline to economic factors, as a slight increase in registration fees impacted parents' ability to afford the exam.
Lagos had the highest number of candidates with 17,751, followed by the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) with 10,209, and Anambra with 4,972. Bayelsa, Borno, and Gombe had the lowest numbers, with 133, 138, and 174 candidates respectively.
Addressing concerns about the age of candidates, Prof. Wushishi clarified that all students sitting for the exam were either 10 years old or approaching their 10th birthday within a month or two.
RECOMMENDED FOR YOU:JAMB Releases Additional UTME Results After Investigation
Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Education, Didi Walson-Jack, who also assessed the examination, expressed satisfaction with NECO's organization, noting that 55 centers in the FCT conducted the exam smoothly.
Chairman of the Senate Committee on Education, Basic and Secondary, Lawal Adamu, praised NECO for the orderly conduct of the examination. He highlighted his efforts to support education by sponsoring NECO and JAMB exams, contributing over N250 million to help parents afford these costs. Adamu called on National Assembly members to ensure educational opportunities for children in their constituencies.
