Oftentimes, it’s tough for Nigerian students to choose between WAEC and NECO. Both exams give you the Senior Secondary Certificate (SSCE) needed for University or Polytechnics.
But WAEC vs NECO: Which should you choose and why?
Which one is better for you?
Many people are confused as well. Including me years back, I struggled to choose between WAEC and NECO, and here’s what I learnt.
In this guide, we’ll discuss and compare WAEC vs NECO to help you decide on which is best for you. We’ll also look at cost, how hard the WAEC and NECO exams are, and more.
So if you’re a student or parent, just read to the end as you’ll learn so much from this informative post.
Let’s get started.
What Are WAEC and NECO?
Let’s start by explaining what these exams are all about.
WAEC
WAEC stands for West African Examinations Council. It started in 1952 and runs the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).
This exam happens in Nigeria, Ghana, and other West African countries.
WAEC is popular because it’s known worldwide and It’s mostly held in May/June for school students and November/December for private students (called WAEC GCE).
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NECO
NECO is an acronym that simply means National Examinations Council which began in 1999.
It’s Nigeria’s own exam body and runs the SSCE in June/July and another exam in November/December.
NECO focuses on Nigeria’s school lessons, so it feels local.
It’s accepted in Nigeria but not always outside. Both WAEC vs NECO test subjects like Maths, English, and sciences.
That being said, now read below to see WAEC vs NECO: which should you choose and why?
5 Things to Know Before Choosing between WAEC vs NECO.
To pick between WAEC and NECO exam for you or your child, look at these five(5) vital things:
1. How Popular They Are
WAEC is recognized worldwide. Its certificate works in Nigeria, other West African countries, and some schools in the UK, Canada, or US.
If you want to study abroad, WAEC is usually better to go with because many foreign schools ask for your WAEC results.
On the other hand, NECO is great in Nigeria. All Nigerian Universities and polytechnics accept it.
But outside Nigeria, it’s not always known. Some foreign schools might not take NECO or need extra checks.
Here’s a quick summary in WAEC vs NECO which one you should choose and why.
- Pick WAEC if you have the intention to further your education abroad.
- Pick NECO if you’re staying in Nigeria for your higher education.
2. How Much They Cost
WAEC costs more because it runs and is recognized in many countries mentioned above. You might pay ₦18,000 to ₦25,000 to register, depending on the place.
NECO is cheaper, the cost is around ₦12,000 to ₦15,000. It’s only in Nigeria, so it’s less expensive to run.
It’s recommended you pick NECO if you want to save money. But think about your future plans, WAEC’s cost might be worth it for international schools.
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3. Are They Hard?
People often argue about which exam is tougher. Well, It depends on you and how you study.
WAEC covers topics for all West African countries. It feels big and wide.
Questions: WAEC asks questions that need deep thinking. Some say it’s harder because of this. Subjects: You need at least six subjects, like Maths, English, and others you choose.
What People Say? Many think WAEC is tough because it’s marked strictly.
Meanwhile, NECO follows Nigeria’s school lessons, so it might feel familiar.
Questions: NECO has questions that seem simpler to some students. It focuses on Nigeria.
Subjects: Like WAEC, you need six(6) subjects.
What People Say: Some say NECO is easier, but it’s not always true. Both need hard work.
The truth of the matter is, Neither is “easy.” Study well, and you’ll do great in either. Use past questions to practice.
4. How Fast Results Come Out?
WAEC result time: The results usually come out in 45 to 90 days. It can take longer because WAEC works in many countries.
You can check your WAEC result online with a scratch card.
NECO result speed: Results are out in 45 to 60 days, often faster than WAEC.
You can check your NECO exams online too.
Pick NECO if you need results quickly for University forms. Both usually meet deadlines.
The good news is that Nigerian schools let you mix WAEC and NECO results.
Just like I said earlier, I struggled to choose between WAEC vs NECO years back, and here’s what I finally did. I took both exams and during my admission into University my WAEC and NECO exam were mixed to secured admission.
Here’s how it works:
If you fail Maths in WAEC but pass it in NECO, you can use both to apply.
Most schools accept two tries(sittings). But top courses like Medicine or Law might want one sitting. The best thing is to check your school’s rules.
Many students write both WAEC and NECO in one year. It’s smart because you get two chances to pass subjects. Also, It helps you study for JAMB too.
Overall, you can mix results if needed. You just have to write WAEC and NECO exams if you can pay for them. It’s like a backup plan.
Now let’s compare these two exams so you decide on which one is better for you.
WAEC vs NECO: Which Should You choose and Why?
If you’re still confused on which exams to choose, here’s a simple guide to help you decide:
a. Choose WAEC If: You want to study outside Nigeria. You like a well-recognized exam used in West Africa. You don’t mind paying more. You want a certificate that works forever.
b. Pick NECO If: You’re studying in Nigeria only. You want to spend less money. You like Nigeria’s school lessons. You need results fast.
c. Pick Both If: You can afford both. You want two chances to pass or perhaps you’re aiming for tough courses like Medicine. You want to mix results.
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Tips to Pass WAEC or NECO Exams.
If you have decided to write both exams, to have a better results, here are some studying tips you should try:
1. Get the Syllabus: Check waecdirect.org or neco.gov.ng for what to study.
2. Practice Old Questions: Buy past question books or find them online. I knew a friend who failed the WAEC because she didn’t practice with past questions.
3. Join Classes: If school isn’t enough, go to a good tutorial. You can check out ulesson website to get study materials
4. Make a Study Plan: Having a study plan can help you study each subject daily. Also focus on the hard subjects.
Overall, don’t cheat, as cheating can cancel your results. Study instead. Check results faster to know if you pass or not. You can make use WAEC or NECO’s website for this purpose when results are finally out.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for WAEC vs NECO: which Should you Choose and Why?
Below are answers to Common Frequently Asked Questions for this blog post that might help you as well:
Do WAEC and NECO Results Expire?
No, both last forever for school or jobs.
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WAEC vs NECO which one is Easier?
It depends. Some students say NECO is simpler while some claimed WAEC is easier, but it recommended you prepare well for anyone you choose because both need study to pass.
Can I Write Both WAEC and NECO in One Year?
Yes. I wrote WAEC and NECO exams in the same year. WAEC is mostly (May/June) while NECO is taken (June/July). So it’s possible if you want to sit for both exams same year.
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What If I Fail a Subject?
If you fail any subject. You simply retake SSCE next time or use a pass from the other exam to gain admission.
In Conclusion.
WAEC and NECO are both great exams, but your choice depends on your future plans.
Thankfully, the question “WAEC vs NECO Which Should You Choose and why” has been answered here.
You can choose WAEC if, you plan to study abroad or attend a University that prioritizes international qualifications.
Or you want a more globally recognized certificate, or maybe you’re comfortable with the higher cost and potentially tougher grading.
However, choose NECO if: You intend to study in Nigeria, as it’s widely accepted by Nigerian Universities. If you’re budget-conscious, it saves money.
But then consider Both if: You’re unsure about your future plans. Many students take both just like I did to maximize opportunities for local and international admissions.
Lastly, WAEC is best for studying abroad. NECO is good for Nigeria and saves money. However, choosing both gives you more chances to pass.
Whether this is your first time or you are retaking, the deal is to register for both if you can afford it, prepare well, study hard, use past questions, and don’t cheat on the exam day.
You’ve got this.
Good luck!
What do you think? Are you picking WAEC, NECO, or both?
Share your opinion in the comments below and remember to share this insightful post with your friends.
Don’t forget to check out our posts on JAMB preparation, University admission and Cut-off Mark.
