829,787 pass English, Maths, three others as NECO releases SSCE results

Eight hundred and twenty-nine thousand, seven hundred and eighty-seven candidates made five credits and above in English Language, mathematics and three other subjects in the June/July 2019 Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE), the National Examinations Council (NECO) has disclosed.

Releasing the results of the test yesterday in Abuja, the Acting Registrar and Chief Executive of NECO, Abubakar Gana, said the figure represents 71.5 per cent of the 1,151016 students, including 161 blind applicants that sat for the examinations.

He noted that in all, 1,041,986, representing 89.90 per cent, made five credits and above though excluding either English or mathematics or both in some cases, adding that the statistics were 0.11 per cent better than last year’s.

The registrar hinted that 1,163,194 candidates actually registered for the examination out of which 1,151016 participated.

He described the test as a success, stating, however, that the number of candidates involved in malpractices rose by 40,630 in comparison with the 20,181 cases recorded last year.

Gana said the leap might not be unconnected with the deployment of biometric verification devices during the exercise.

He therefore sanctioned three schools in Kebbi, Oyo and Katsina states for two years over infractions during the examination.

Besides, 18 supervisors were blacklisted for various offences, just as he vowed to punish any employees found wanting.

His words: “Arising from the above, three schools, one each in Katsina, Kebbi and Oyo states, were recommended for de-recognition for two years for their involvement in mass cheating and whole centre cases.”

“Also, a total of 18 supervisors were blacklisted for various offences ranging from poor supervision, aiding and abetting, connivance with non-candidates and others.

“In line with the council’s zero tolerance for any forms of examination malpractice, members of staff alleged to have behaved contrary to expectations are to face appropriate disciplinary measures once they fail to satisfactorily defend themselves.”