Every year, thousands of students in Nigeria sit for the NECO exam. If you just got your result and saw C5, you’re probably asking: “What does C5 mean in NECO?”
Don’t worry you’re not alone. Many students and parents get confused about what the grades really mean. In this article, I’ll break everything down in simple English, so you can fully understand.
Why Students Always Ask About NECO Grades
- Many students want to know if their results are good enough for admission.
- Parents also want to understand if the grade means “pass,” “credit,” or “fail.”
Short Answer – What C5 Really Means
C5 in NECO means you scored between 55% and 59%, which is called a Credit grade.
Credit simply means you passed well enough.
It is still accepted by most schools in Nigeria for admission.
Understanding NECO Grading System
What is NECO?
NECO stands for National Examinations Council, a Nigerian exam body created to make sure students have a fair assessment outside WAEC.
How Does NECO Grading Work?
NECO grades are given in letters (A–F) and are tied to specific percentage scores.
Why NECO Grades Matter in Nigeria
- Universities, polytechnics, and colleges all use NECO results to decide if you qualify.
- Scholarships also look at your NECO grades before awarding money.
NECO Grading Table (Simple Format)
Here’s the simple breakdown of NECO grades:
| 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 |
Detailed Table: What Each NECO Grade Means for You
| Grade | Meaning in Simple Words | How Schools See It |
| A1 | Best score, you nailed it | Very strong chance for admission |
| B2 | Almost excellent | Still very strong |
| B3 | Good job | Seen as solid grade |
| C4 | Credit | Acceptable for most schools |
| C5 | Credit, slightly lower | Still okay for admission |
| C6 | Lowest credit | Barely makes it in |
| D7/E8 | Just pass | Not enough for most schools |
| F9 | Fail | Needs to be repeated |
Read also: Does NECO Give A1 Like WAEC? Truth About NECO Grading
What Does C5 Mean in NECO?
The Score Range (55 – 59%)
C5 is a Credit grade, meaning you did fairly well. You didn’t fail, and you’re not in the pass range either.
Why It’s Still a Good Grade
- Most schools accept C5 as part of O’Level requirements.
- It shows you understand the subject enough, even if you didn’t score very high.
Is C5 in NECO Good or Bad?
When C5 is Considered Okay
If you’re applying for courses like Social Sciences, Arts, or Management, C5 is usually fine.
Schools only ask for 5 credits including English and Maths, and C5 counts.
Times When C5 May Not Be Enough
- Competitive courses like Medicine, Pharmacy, and Law usually prefer higher grades.
- If your English or Mathematics is C5, some schools may still accept it, but others may prefer C4 or higher.
Comparing NECO C5 with WAEC Grades
Are the Grades the Same?
Yes! NECO and WAEC use the same grading system. C5 in NECO is the same as C5 in WAEC.
How Schools Treat Both Exams
Most Nigerian schools accept either NECO or WAEC results, so your C5 grade in NECO is just as valid as it would be in WAEC.
How C5 Affects Your Chances in Admission
JAMB + NECO Result Combination
When you combine a good JAMB score with C5 in NECO, you still have a strong chance of getting admission.
Universities That Accept C5
Most Nigerian universities, like UNILAG, ABU Zaria, and UI, accept C5 as part of the required credits. The main thing is to have at least 5 credits in one sitting or 6 credits in two sittings.
Read also: Top 10 Best Federal Universities in Nigeria
Tips to Improve from C5 to A1 in NECO
Reading and Study Habits That Work
- Don’t wait till exam week to start reading early.
- Use NECO past questions; they repeat topics often.
Exam-Day Tricks I Personally Used
- Get enough rest before exam day.
- Always read questions carefully before answering.
- Answer the easy ones first to save time.
Mistakes Students Make That Lead to C5
Not Practicing Past Questions
NECO often repeats old questions. If you don’t practice past questions, you’ll miss out on easy marks.
Waiting Till Last Minute to Read
This is the number one mistake. Reading overnight won’t work. You’ll forget everything.
How to Calculate NECO Result for Admission
O’Level Points Explained
Many schools use a point system to calculate if you qualify. Credits like C5 still earn you points.
Example Calculation With C5
If a school gives:
- A1 = 6 points
- B2 = 5 points
- C4/C5/C6 = 4 points
Then a C5 in English = 4 points. Combine that with other subjects, and you may still hit the required total.
Real-Life Experience with C5 in NECO
My Story (or Someone Close)
When I wrote my NECO, I got a C5 in Mathematics. At first, I thought I had failed badly. But guess what? The school still accepted it for admission.
Lessons I Learned from It
C5 is not the end of the world. What matters is how you use the result with your JAMB and other grades.
Conclusion
So, what grade is C5 in NECO?
It means 55 – 59%, a Credit score. It’s good enough for admission in most schools. Don’t see it as a failure, it’s a pass that still opens doors for you.
My advice? If you got C5, be proud. Work on improving in future exams but never feel less of yourself because of it.
FAQs
1. Is C5 in NECO good for admission?
Yes, most schools accept C5 as a valid credit.
2. Can I study medicine with C5 in English?
It depends on the school. Some may accept it, but competitive ones prefer higher grades.
3. Is C5 the same as a pass?
No, C5 is a Credit, which is higher than pass (D7/E8).
4. Which schools accept C5 in NECO?
Almost all Nigerian universities, including UNILAG, ABU Zaria, and UNN, accept C5.
5. How many credits do I need in NECO?
You need at least 5 credits including English and Maths to qualify for most courses.
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.