In Nigeria and some other African countries, secondary school school students are expected to take their West African Examination Council (WAEC) exams in other to further their education in any given field of their choice. In Nigeria there is also the choice of a National Examination Council (NECO) exam which shares some similarities with the WAEC exams with slight differences.
Over the years there have been some controversies as to which exam is better or more important and which should be considered a better option. This article aims to to answer the question; What Is The Difference Between NECO And WAEC? and also to give answers to the questions in the heart of students and parents alike.
Brief Origin of WAEC
WAEC was created in the year 1952 as an international examination body and these examination body operate in five African countries namely; Nigeria, Gambia, Ghana, Liberia and Sierra Leone. This examination body conduct examination and award certificates for the examinations written.
This examination body has its headquarter in Accra, Ghana and has been in existence for over 70years.
Brief Origin of NECO
NECO was created in April 1999 by the then head of state Abdulsalami Abubakar and the examination body only operate within Nigeria. It was created as a strong examination system solely for Nigerian students and as a national body NECO has its headquarter in Nigeria, in Minna, Niger State.
What Is The Difference Between NECO And WAEC?
1. Examination Type
The examination WAEC conducts is called West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), which is for both current school candidates by May/June and Private candidates by Nov/Dec. While NECO conducts the Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (SSCE) for current school candidates by June/July and private candidates by Nov/Dec.
2. Acceptability of Certificate
WAEC certificates are recognized both locally and internationally to pursue any career of your choice that you are eligible for while NECO is also recognize locally and in some other countries too but not in all countries like WAEC.
3. Examination Structure
WAEC exam is structured to suit the educational standards of the five countries it is being written in, while NECO is based on the educational curriculum in Nigeria only covering subjects offered here in Nigeria.
4. Languages That Examinations are Written In
WAEC examinations are written in the languages applicable to all the countries it is been offered while NECO is majorly written in English language and other Nigerian languages.
5. Fee Payable
WAEC fees are different depending on the country but it is always higher than NECO fees and this makes NECO an easier option for students in Nigeria.
Major Similarities Between WAEC And NECO
- The registration process for WAEC and NECO are the same as registration for school candidates is done by the school and registration for external or private candidate is done online.
- The two exams also uses the same grading system of nine point grading system, ranging from A1 to F9.
- WAEC and NECO exams are both conducted at the secondary school level and is useful for the furtherance of your academic journey.
- Both exams comes up annually with other opportunities for private or external candidates.
Conclusion
Both WAEC and NECO are important in the Nigerian educational sector and to Nigerian students at large. There is no one that is less important to the other, your choice would only depend on the purpose that the certificate is needed for.
Through this article you can gain knowledge of the difference and similarities of both WAEC and NECO and this knowledge will in turn help you as a parent or student make informed decisions of what to do and which exam to go for depending on what you are hoping to achieve.
FAQs
Is it true that NECO certificate can only be used in Nigeria?: No it is not true, NECO certificate is accepted in other parts of the world also, depending on the country and the university. Although it is not as widely accepted as WAEC certificate.
Can a student sit for both NECO and WAEC examinations in the same year?: Yes, a student can sit for both exams in the same year. It is not in violation of any rule or law
Can I use a NECO certificate to apply for universities or Scholarships outside Nigeria? Yes, you can apply for admission or scholarship outside Nigeria using your NECO certificate. Be sure to go through the school requirements to know which certificate is accepted in the said university before applying.
