One of the most common questions students in Nigeria ask is: “What is a good NECO score?” If you just got your result, you may be wondering if your grades are strong enough for university or polytechnic admission.
The truth is, not all grades mean the same thing. Some grades are just “okay,” while others will put you ahead of other students when seeking admission.
In this article, I’ll explain in simple English what a good NECO score really is, how schools see it, and what you can do to improve your own result.
Why Students Ask This Question
Many students want to know if their NECO grades are enough for admission.
Parents also want to understand if their child’s score is “good” or “bad.”
Some students even compare NECO to WAEC and wonder if the grading is different.
What Counts as a Good NECO Score
A good NECO score is at least a Credit (C6 and above). This means that if you score between 50% and 100%, you are still in the “good” range.
But to be honest, the higher your grade (like A1 or B2), the better your chances of admission, scholarships, and recognition.
Understanding NECO Grading System
How NECO Marks Exams
NECO uses a mixture of objective, theory, and practicals (if needed).
Your final score is the total of everything, and that is what determines your grade.
Meaning of Each Grade
Here’s a simple table to help you see clearly:
Table 1: NECO Grades and Their Score Range
| Grade | Score Range | Meaning |
| A1 | 75 – 100% | Excellent |
| B2 | 70 – 74% | Very Good |
| B3 | 65 – 69% | Good |
| C4 | 60 – 64% | Credit |
| C5 | 55 – 59% | Credit |
| C6 | 50 – 54% | Credit |
| D7 | 45 – 49% | Pass |
| E8 | 40 – 44% | Pass |
| F9 | 0 – 39% | Fail |
Read also: Does NECO Give A1 Like WAEC? Truth About NECO Grading.
What Counts as a “Good” NECO Score?
The Official Requirement (Credits)
Most schools in Nigeria say you need at least 5 Credits (C6 and above) including English and Mathematics. That’s what they mean by a “good result.”
The Difference Between “Good” and “Excellent” Scores
- Good Score: C6, C5, or C4 – still acceptable for admission.
- Excellent Score: A1, B2, or B3 – makes your application stronger, especially for competitive courses.
Table 2: NECO Score Categories Explained
| Grade | Category | Is It Good? |
| A1 – B3 | Excellent/Very Good | Yes, very good |
| C4 – C6 | Credit (Passable) | Yes, still good |
| D7 – E8 | Pass | Not really, not enough |
| F9 | Fail | Not good at all |
So, if you got C4, C5, or C6, your score is still good, but if you got A1 or B2, your score is excellent.
What Score Do You Need to Enter University?
Minimum Credits Required
To enter any Nigerian university, you need at least 5 Credits in relevant subjects, including English and Maths.
Read also: The Most Affordable Federal Universities in Nigeria.
Why English and Maths Matter Most
Even if you score A1 in every subject but fail English or Maths, most schools will not accept your result. These two subjects are compulsory.
Is C5 a Good NECO Score?
What C5 Really Means
C5 means you scored between 55% and 59%. It is a Credit grade, which is officially acceptable for admission.
When C5 is Enough and When It’s Not
- For less competitive courses like Education, Social Sciences, or Arts, C5 is enough.
- For competitive courses like Medicine, Law, or Engineering, you’ll stand a better chance with B2 or A1.
Is B3 or A1 Better for Admission?
The Difference in Points Between Grades
Some schools use a point system. For example:
- A1 = 6 points
- B2 = 5 points
- B3 = 4 points
- C4 – C6 = 3 points
Clearly, A1 carries more weight.
Why Higher Scores Matter for Competitive Courses
If you want to study Medicine, Pharmacy, or Law, schools usually look for students with the highest possible grades.
NECO Score vs WAEC Score
Are They the Same Grading System?
Yes, NECO and WAEC use the same grading scale. A1 in NECO means the same thing as A1 in WAEC.
How Schools Treat Both Results
Nigerian schools accept both NECO and WAEC equally. Some students even combine the two results for admission.
How to Calculate a “Good Score” in NECO (Admission Points)
O’Level Points Explained
Most schools in Nigeria now use a point system to rank students. The higher your grades, the higher your points.
Example Calculation With Grades
If you have:
- English = B2 (5 points)
- Maths = C5 (3 points)
- Biology = A1 (6 points)
- Chemistry = B3 (4 points)
- Physics = C4 (3 points)
Your total = 21 points. That’s considered a good score.
How to Improve Your NECO Score
Study Tips That Work
- Start preparing early, not just a month before the exam.
- Use past questions. NECO repeats many questions.
- Read both textbooks and class notes.
Exam-Day Habits That Help
- Sleep well before the exam.
- Read instructions carefully.
- Answer the easy questions first.
Mistakes That Stop Students From Getting a Good Score
- Not Reading on Time
Cramming overnight doesn’t work. You need months of steady preparation. - Ignoring Past Questions
Many students ignore past questions, yet they are one of the best ways to prepare.
Real-Life Experience With a Good Score
Story of Someone With C Grades Who Still Entered School
I know someone who had mostly C5s and C6s in NECO. At first, they thought it was a “bad” result. But when they applied for admission, the school accepted it.
Lessons You Can Learn
- You don’t always need straight A’s to succeed.
- What matters most is meeting the 5 credits requirement and doing well in JAMB.
Conclusion
So, what is a good NECO score?
Any grade from C6 and above is a good score.
A1 to B3 is excellent and gives you more advantage.
What really matters is getting at least 5 credits including English and Maths.
My advice? Don’t beat yourself up if you don’t get all A’s. As long as you have the required credits, you’re still on the right track.
FAQs
1. What is a good score in NECO?
A good NECO score is at least C6 and above, but A1–B3 is considered excellent.
2. Is C6 a good NECO grade?
Yes, C6 is still a credit, and it counts as a passable score for admission.
3. Can I enter university with C5?
Yes, most Nigerian universities accept C5 as a valid credit.
4. What is the least grade accepted for admission?
Most schools only accept C6 and above. Anything below (D7, E8, F9) is not good enough.
5. Which grade is the best in NECO?
The best grade is A1, which means you scored 75% and above.
Meet The Author
This post was written by Nelson Bright, the mind behind Studypursuits.com.
I’m Nelson Bright, an education blogger and student mentor who has helped secondary school students prepare for WAEC and NECO for over 2 years. I share practical study tips based on real classroom experience and official exam requirements.
You can reach me on X (ukeamezhinime) or contact me here.