If you’ve ever checked your NECO result and didn’t see an A1, you may have wondered: “Does NECO even give A1 like WAEC?” This is one of the most common questions students in Nigeria ask.
The truth is simple: Yes, NECO gives A1, just like WAEC. But the way you prepare for the exam will determine whether you’ll see that A1 on your result slip.
In this article, I’ll explain the truth about NECO grading, show you how it compares with WAEC, and share some tips that will help you aim for A1.
The Common Question Among Students
- Many students believe WAEC is more “generous” with A1 than NECO.
- Others think NECO doesn’t give A1 at all.
- Parents too get confused when they see more C grades than As on their child’s NECO result.
Short Answer – Yes, NECO Gives A1
Let’s clear this up quickly: NECO does give A1. If you score 75% and above in a subject, you will be awarded an A1, just like in WAEC.
The only reason you may not see A1 often in NECO is because of preparation and performance, not because NECO refuses to award it.
Understanding NECO and WAEC Exams
What is NECO?
NECO stands for National Examinations Council. It is Nigeria’s own examination body, created in 1999 to make exams more accessible and reduce overdependence on WAEC.
What is WAEC?
WAEC stands for West African Examinations Council. It conducts exams across West Africa (Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Liberia, and Gambia).
Why Both Exams Are Important in Nigeria
- Both NECO and WAEC results are accepted for university, polytechnic, and college admissions.
- Employers and scholarship bodies in Nigeria also recognize both.
NECO Grading System Explained
How NECO Calculates Grades
Your NECO grade is based on the total score you get, which includes your objective, theory, and practicals (if any).
- 75% – 100% = A1 (Excellent)
- 70% – 74% = B2 (Very Good)
- And so on…
Why the Grading Looks Similar to WAEC
NECO deliberately uses the same grading scale as WAEC so that no student is disadvantaged.
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 |
WAEC Grading System Compared with NECO
Are They the Same?
Yes! Both NECO and WAEC use the exact same grading system.
Key Differences Between WAEC and NECO
- WAEC is a regional exam, while NECO is national.
- WAEC results are more recognized outside Nigeria, but within Nigeria, both are equal.
Table 2: NECO vs WAEC Grades Side by Side
| Grade | NECO Score Range | WAEC Score Range | Meaning |
| A1 | 75 – 100% | 75 – 100% | Excellent |
| B2 | 70 – 74% | 70 – 74% | Very Good |
| B3 | 65 – 69% | 65 – 69% | Good |
| C4 | 60 – 64% | 60 – 64% | Credit |
| C5 | 55 – 59% | 55 – 59% | Credit |
| C6 | 50 – 54% | 50 – 54% | Credit |
| D7 | 45 – 49% | 45 – 49% | Pass |
| E8 | 40 – 44% | 40 – 44% | Pass |
| F9 | 0 – 39% | 0 – 39% | Fail |
Read also: What Grade is C5 in NECO? Meaning of NECO Grades
As you can see, A1 in NECO means the same thing as A1 in WAEC.
Can You Get A1 in NECO?
Subjects Where Students Often Get A1
- Mathematics
- Biology
- Government
- Yoruba/Igbo/Hausa (depending on region)
Why A1 is Not Common for Everyone
- Some subjects like English and Chemistry are harder.
- Many students don’t prepare early enough.
Is NECO Marking Stricter Than WAEC?
The Marking Style Explained
NECO uses examiners just like WAEC. The marking scheme is clear: if you answer correctly, you get the mark.
Why Some Students Think NECO is Harder
- NECO exams sometimes fall around the same time as JAMB or WAEC GCE, and students are tired.
- Students may not take NECO as seriously, leading to lower grades.
Benefits of Getting A1 in NECO
Admission Advantage
Having A1 in subjects like English or Mathematics gives you a stronger edge when competing for admission.
Scholarship Opportunities
Some scholarships in Nigeria look at your O’Level grades, and A1s make you stand out.
Common Misunderstandings About NECO Grades
- Thinking C5 is a Fail
Many people wrongly believe that anything less than A is bad. But in NECO, C5 is still a pass (Credit). - Believing NECO Does Not Give A1
This is not true. Thousands of students get A1 every year.
How to Increase Your Chances of A1 in NECO
Study Strategies
- Start preparing at least 3–4 months before the exam.
- Use NECO past questions regularly.
- Read both notes and recommended textbooks.
Exam-Day Tips
- Read instructions carefully.
- Don’t waste time on one question.
- Attempt all questions you can, NECO awards marks for steps, not just answers.
Mistakes That Stop Students From Getting A1 in NECO
Poor Reading Culture
Leaving reading until exam week almost always leads to average results like C5 or C6.
Ignoring Past Questions
NECO repeats a lot of questions. If you don’t practice past questions, you may miss “free marks.”
Real-Life Stories of A1 in NECO
Student Who Got A1 in English
A friend of mine once had C6 in WAEC English but later wrote NECO and scored A1. That proved to me that NECO really does give A1 when you work hard.
Lessons From Their Success
- Don’t write off NECO.
- Consistency in reading is what matters, not the exam body.
Conclusion
So, does NECO give A1 like WAEC? Yes, absolutely.
- A1 in NECO = 75% and above.
- The grading system is the same as WAEC.
- What matters most is your preparation, not the exam body.
If you’re aiming for A1 in NECO, believe me, it’s possible. Don’t let myths or rumors discourage you. Work hard, use past questions, and you’ll see that big “A1” on your result.
FAQs
1. Does NECO give A1 like WAEC?
Yes, both exams use the same grading system.
2. Is it harder to get A1 in NECO than WAEC?
Not really. The grading is the same; it depends on how well you prepare.
3. Can I enter university with A1 in NECO?
Yes. Nigerian universities fully accept NECO A1 grades.
4. Is NECO result accepted outside Nigeria?
Mostly within Nigeria. For outside Nigeria, WAEC is more recognized.
5. Which subjects are easier to get A1 in NECO?
Students often get A1 in Biology, Yoruba/Igbo/Hausa, and sometimes Government or Mathematics.
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.