NECO Streamlines English Language Exam For 2026.
The National Examinations Council (NECO) has announced a significant overhaul of its English Language Paper III for the Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (SSCE) Internal, reducing the number of objective questions from 100 to 80, effective from the 2026 examination cycle. The decision, detailed in an official circular dated 1 September 2025 and signed by Osun State Coordinator Sunday K. Bolaji, aims to streamline the examination process and improve the testing experience for students across Nigeria.
The revised Paper III, which tests objective skills in English, will now consist of six sections: Antonyms (10 questions), Appropriateness of Registers (10 questions), Interpretation of Idioms, Phrasal Verbs, and Foreign Words (10 questions), Synonyms (10 questions), Grammatical Structures (30 questions), and Cloze Text (10 questions). Additionally, the examination duration has been adjusted to 50 minutes, down from the previous allocation, to align with the streamlined format. NECO stated that these changes are designed to make the assessment more efficient while maintaining its rigour and focus on core language skills.
This reform coincides with NECO’s broader modernisation efforts, including a full transition to computer-based testing (CBT) starting with the November/December 2025 SSCE External, as confirmed on 29 August 2025. The move follows a July 2025 federal government directive mandating the use of accredited public and private CBT centres nationwide for school-based SSCEs by 2026. NECO has invited CBT centre operators to apply for accreditation, ensuring compliance with strict technical, infrastructural, and security standards to uphold examination integrity.
The announcement has been welcomed by educators and students, who see the changes as a step towards reducing exam stress while enhancing accessibility. “Fewer questions and a shorter duration will allow students to focus better and demonstrate their true abilities,” said a secondary school teacher in Osogbo. The shift to CBT is also expected to curb malpractice, improve result processing efficiency, and align Nigeria’s examination system with global digital standards.
NECO’s initiatives reflect a commitment to modernising education and preparing students for a digital future. As the council prepares for the 2026 SSCE, it continues to encourage candidates to utilise past questions and the updated syllabus to excel in the streamlined English Language exam, setting a positive tone for academic success across the nation.