WAEC vs NECO: Which One Should You Choose and Why?
Introduction:
As a secondary school student in Nigeria, choosing between WAEC and NECO can be a bit confusing. Both are national examinations required for admission into universities and polytechnics, but which one is better for you? In this article, we’ll break down the key differences and help you decide which exam best suits your goals.
- What is WAEC?
WAEC stands for the West African Examinations Council. It’s a regional exam taken by students in five West African countries: Nigeria, Ghana, Gambia, Sierra Leone, and Liberia. WAEC is widely accepted both within and outside Nigeria, especially in universities abroad.
- What is NECO?
NECO stands for the National Examinations Council. It is a Nigerian-based exam created to serve the same purpose as WAEC. NECO is mostly accepted within Nigeria, particularly by local universities, colleges, and employers.
- Exam Schedule
WAEC is usually held between April and June.
NECO comes later, typically between June and August.
This time difference allows students to take both exams if they wish — a common strategy among Nigerian students.
- Level of Difficulty
Some students believe WAEC is harder due to its international standard, but this is not entirely true. Both WAEC and NECO test the same syllabus. However:
WAEC tends to ask more application-based questions
NECO often focuses more on direct and factual questions
The perceived difficulty depends on your preparation and study method.
- Acceptance by Universities and Employers
WAEC is generally more accepted internationally, especially in the UK, US, and Ghana.
NECO is widely accepted in Nigerian tertiary institutions, but not all foreign institutions recognize it.
So if you’re considering studying abroad, WAEC is a safer bet.
- Cost and Availability
Both exams are priced similarly, but WAEC may be slightly more expensive in some schools. However, NECO tends to be more available, especially in public schools.
- Can You Write Both?
Yes! Many Nigerian students write both WAEC and NECO to increase their chances of getting good grades. If you don’t pass one, the other might save you.
Conclusion: Which Should You Choose?
Choose WAEC if you’re aiming for international studies or private universities
Choose NECO if you’re focused on local admission into Nigerian institutions
If possible, write both exams — it gives you more options
In the end, your success depends on preparation, not the exam body. Focus on understanding your subjects and practicing past questions regularly.
