WAEC is an internationally recognised exam that assesses students’ knowledge across various subjects and is an official secondary school leaving certificate. WAEC results are widely accepted for admission into higher institutions in Nigeria and many countries abroad.
Students must register for at least 7 subjects and a maximum of 9 subjects. It is required that students pass WASSCE with at least a Credit in compulsory subjects; English and Mathematics and three other required subjects can use the results to gain admission into universities, polytechnics, and colleges.
The West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) is a standard exam taken by students to mark the completion of their secondary school education and receive the Ordinary Level (O’Level) Certificate.
It serves as a qualification to proceed to a higher institution and sufficient without an additional examination for entry into some higher institutions outside Nigeria and some online universities in Nigeria.
The exam consists of both objective and essay questions, and practical for some subjects. In Nigeria, students are required to take a minimum of eight subjects. The subjects are grouped into core and elective subjects, and there are compulsory subjects that all students must take, such as Mathematics and English Language. The exam is currently paper based.
The registration for the WASSCE for School candidates usually opens in January and ends in February or March, depending on the country. The exam is usually written in May/June and the results are available by August.
Registration for the WASSCE for School Candidates is done through schools, while WASSCE for Private Candidates register online. Students are advised to register as early as possible to avoid late registration fees.
NECO is a Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (SSCE) that serves as an alternative to WAEC and is fully recognised and accepted by all tertiary institutions in Nigeria and some abroad, including Universities, Polytechnics, and Colleges. Students must take a minimum of 8 subjects and a maximum of 9 subjects.
Students are required to pass the NECO SSCE with at least a C6 in compulsory subjects; English and Mathematics and three other required subjects which can be used to gain admission into universities, polytechnics, and colleges. The exam is also recognised by some universities and colleges outside of Nigeria, particularly in some African countries.
The NECO SSCE consists of both objective and essay questions, and practical for some subjects. Students are required to take a minimum of eight subjects, which include compulsory subjects such as Mathematics, English Language, as well as elective subjects chosen by the student. The exam is paper based.
The registration for the NECO SSCE usually opens in March or April and ends in June or July. The exam is typically written in June or July, and the results are released in August or September. While the external examination for students who want to make up for result deficiencies is in November/December.
Registration for the NECO SSCE is done through schools while SSCE for private candidates register online. From 1 hr to 2 hrs 45 minutes depending on the subject
This is the entrance exam for students seeking admission into Nigerian universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education. JAMB determines eligibility for admission into higher institutions. A high score increases the chances of getting into competitive courses. 4 subjects are required.
The Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) examination by the Joint Admission Matriculation Board (JAMB) is a standard test taken by secondary school students in Nigeria who intend to gain admission into Nigerian universities, polytechnics, and colleges. The exam is designed to assess the academic readiness of students for higher education in Nigeria.
Students who pass the JAMB UTME with good grades have an application for admission into higher institutions in Nigeria. In addition to passing WAEC or NECO, the UTME scores are usually one of the primary criteria for gaining admission into higher institutions in Nigeria. Some institutions may also require additional admission screening exercises or tests typically called Post-JAMB.
The JAMB UTME is a computer-based test (CBT) that consists of four subjects, including English Language and three other subjects relevant to the student’s intended field of study. The exam consists of a mixture of objective and essay questions. This is usually 2 hours or 120 minutes. Each subject Carries 100 marks making a total of 400.
The registration for the JAMB UTME usually opens in January and closes in February or March. The exam is typically written in March or April. The results are usually released within two weeks after the exam.
Candidates have to register Individually online for the JAMB UTME.
NABTEB conducts examinations for students interested in technical and vocational education. It focuses on developing hands-on skills and practical knowledge needed for careers in fields like engineering, construction, business, and other technical areas. It provides recognised certification in technical and vocational skills, offering an alternative pathway to tertiary education and improving employment opportunities in skilled trades.
The NABTEB exams, National Business Certificate and National Technical Certificate, are designed to assess the skills, knowledge, and competencies of students who have completed vocational or technical education in Nigeria. Students who pass the NABTEB exams (five credits and above, including English Language and Mathematics) can use the results to gain admission into tertiary institutions in Nigeria.
The advanced National Business Certificate and National Technical Certificates can be also used for direct entry into 2nd year into many universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education. The exam is also recognised by some universities and colleges outside of Nigeria, particularly in some African countries. The exams can also be used to obtain professional certification in technical or vocational fields.
The NABTEB examination consists of both objective and essay questions. The exams are offered in both May/June and November/December cycles. Candidates are required to take a minimum of five subjects, which include compulsory subjects such as Mathematics, English Language, and General Education, as well as vocational and technical subjects chosen by the candidate.
The registration for the NABTEB exams usually opens in March or April for the May/June cycle and September for the November/December cycle. The exams are typically written in May/June and November/December, and the results are released within three months after the exams. Individual and school registrations are possible for the NABTEB exams.
The Joint Universities Preliminary Examinations Board (JUPEB) is an advanced-level examination program that provides an opportunity for students to gain admission into Nigerian universities at the 200 level. JUPEB is an alternative to the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) conducted by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).
The exam is open to students who have completed their secondary education and wish to pursue undergraduate studies in Nigerian universities.
Successful completion of the JUPEB program and obtaining good grades in the exams can qualify students for direct entry admission into the second year (200 level) of undergraduate programs in participating universities in Nigeria. The JUPEB program usually starts in September and ends in June of the following year. The final examinations are typically conducted in June or July. The cutoff mark depends on the course and universities.
The JUPEB examination is conducted in two semesters (usually nine months) and consists of a combination of lectures, tutorials, and assessments. The program covers a wide range of subjects, including Sciences, Social Sciences, Arts, and Humanities. Usually 3hrs with morning and afternoon sessions. At the end of the program, students take final examinations in their chosen subjects.
Registration for the JUPEB program is done through approved JUPEB affiliated centers or institutions. Students interested in participating in the program need to register with their chosen center or institution, following the registration guidelines provided by the JUPEB governing body.
IGCSE is an internationally recognised secondary school qualification based on the UK curriculum. It covers many subjects and is a foundation for further studies like A-Levels or IB. IGCSE is widely accepted by universities and colleges worldwide, making it suitable for students planning to study abroad.
It is designed to assess students’ knowledge, understanding, and skills in various subjects, including English, Mathematics, Science, and Humanities. The IGCSE is offered by the Cambridge Assessment International Education board (CAIE) and is taken by students in more than 140 countries globally.
Students who pass the IGCSE exams can use the results to apply for admission into higher institutions in the UK, USA, Canada, and other countries around the world. The IGCSE exam consists of both core and optional subjects, with students required to take a minimum of five subjects, including Mathematics and English Language.
The IGCSE exam is offered twice a year, in May/June and October/November. The exam includes a mixture of multiple-choice and essay questions, with a focus on practical and problem-solving skills. IGCSE subjects assessment also includes practical exams and coursework. The exam time ranges from 45 minutes to 2 hours 30 minutes depending on the syllabus/component.
Individual registration is possible for the IGCSE exams. Students can register directly with the CAIE or through authorised examination centers in their country. Registration deadlines are usually a few months before the exam dates, and the results are typically released in August and January, respectively.
The SAT (formerly known as the Scholastic Assessment Test and the Scholastic Aptitude Test) is a standardized test that is widely used for college admissions in the United States. The SAT is designed to assess a student’s readiness for college by testing their knowledge and skills in reading, writing, and math.The exam also provides opportunities for scholarships into US universities.
The exam is typically taken by high school juniors and seniors. The SAT consists of four sections: Reading, Writing and Language, Math (with calculator), and Math (without calculator). The exam is a mix of multiple-choice questions and a written essay. The total testing time is 3 hours and 50 minutes, including breaks. The SAT is offered several times a year in the United States and internationally.
Individual registration is possible for the SAT exam. Students can register online through the College Board website. Registration deadlines are typically a few weeks before the exam dates. Scores are usually released within two weeks of taking the exam.
