Education
NCEE: Nigerian govt releases results, seizes 52 for malpractice

The federal government of Nigeria has, on July 16, 2024, released results of the 2024 National Common Entrance Examination (NCEE) for federal unity colleges and the Federal Government Academy (FGA), Suleja, Nigeria.
The Minister of State for Education, Dr. Yusuf Tanko Sununu, announced the release during a news conference in Abuja.
Dr. Sununu stated that 71,291 candidates registered for the NCEE, while 66,931 candidates sat for the examination.
However, 4,360 were absent from examination halls.
Meanwhile, 52 out of the 66,931 results were withheld due to alleged involvement in examination malpractices.
Among the affected candidates, 50 were from Rivers State, while the remaining two were from Lagos State.
The withheld results are currently under investigation by NCEE authorities.
The authorities, however, said that they may be released if the candidates are found innocent.
The minister clarified that the admission criteria for qualified candidates into federal unity colleges remain unchanged.
He noted that the selection process is based on 60% on merit, 30% on state equality, and 10% on exigency.
The students’ performance
Respecting the students’ performance, Dr. Sununu said:
“The National Common Entrance Examination is for admission into JSS1 of Federal Unity Colleges.
“It is a highly competitive examination which is administered every year to Nigerian children both at home and abroad who desire to gain admission into our one hundred and fifteen Federal Unity Colleges spread across all parts of the country.
“These FUCs continue to strengthen our unity as a country with their motto ‘Pro Unitate’.
“This year’s edition of the examination was written on Saturday 1st June 2024 in Nigeria, as well as Benin Republic and Togo.
“I am pleased to present the following major highlights.
“Major highlights of the common entrance results are as follows:
“71,291 candidates registered for 2024 NCEE; 66,931 candidates sat for the examination and 4,360 were absent.
“Out of the maximum obtainable score of 210, one candidate obtained the highest score of 203, while 13 candidates obtained the lowest score of 1.
“This year, an unprecedented number of 52 candidates (2 candidates from Lagos State and 50 candidates from Rivers State) were involved in examination malpractice.
“The highlights of the Federal Government Academy examination are that 2,649 candidates registered for the examination;2,336 candidates sat for the examination while 313 candidates were absent.
“The highest score is 180 while the lowest is 5,” he added.
About National Common Entrance Examination
The National Common Entrance Examination is for admission into Junior Secondary School (JSS 1) of Federal Government Unity Colleges.
Only final year pupils of primary schools not less than 10 years by September of the examination year are eligible to write the examination.
This examination is held in May or June of each year.
It serves as a crucial step for selecting qualified candidates from every state of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) for admission into these prestigious institutions
Importance of NCEE
- Gateway to Federal Unity Colleges:
- The NCEE serves as the primary gateway for admission into Federal Government Unity Colleges (FGCs) across Nigeria.
- FGCs are prestigious institutions known for their high academic standards, well-rounded education, and diverse student body.
- Standardized Assessment:
- The examination ensures a standardized assessment of candidates’ knowledge and skills.
- It helps maintain consistency in evaluating students from different states and backgrounds.
- Equitable Representation:
- By selecting candidates based on merit, state equality, and exigency, the NCEE promotes fairness and equal opportunities.
- It ensures that students from all regions have a chance to study in federal unity colleges.
- Preparation for Secondary Education:
- The NCEE prepares students for the transition from primary to secondary education.
- It assesses their readiness for the challenges of junior secondary school (JSS 1).
- Quality Education and Networking:
- Successful candidates gain access to quality education, experienced teachers, and well-equipped facilities.
- They also interact with peers from diverse backgrounds, fostering social and intellectual growth.
For Diaspora Digital Media Updates click on Whatsapp, or Telegram. For eyewitness accounts/ reports/ articles, write to: citizenreports@diasporadigitalmedia.com. Follow us on X (Fomerly Twitter) or Facebook