You want to register for NECO? This guide explains all the places you can register in Nigeria; schools, NECO offices, approved centers, and online. Learn the requirements, fees, mistakes to avoid, and tips for smooth registration in 2026.
Many students in Nigeria ask me, “Where exactly can I register for NECO?” I totally understand this question. When I was preparing for my NECO exam, I was also confused about where to go, who to meet, and how to do it right.
The good news is this: registering for NECO is not as hard as you think. Once you know the steps, the process becomes very easy. In this guide, I will walk you through all the places where you can register for NECO, how to register, the requirements, mistakes to avoid, and some tips that will make everything simple for you.
Let’s get started.
Understanding NECO Registration
What Is NECO?
NECO stands for National Examinations Council. It is a Nigerian exam body that conducts exams like NECO SSCE (for school candidates) and NECO GCE (for private candidates).
If you’re in SS3, you’ll most likely register for the NECO SSCE through your school. But if you’re no longer in school or you want to write the exam privately, you’ll go for the NECO GCE.
Who Can Register for NECO?
You may be asking, “Is NECO for me?” The answer is yes, if:
- You’re a student in senior secondary school (SS3).
- You have left school but still want to get an O’level result.
- You want to use NECO to apply for university, polytechnic, or college of education in Nigeria.
So, whether you’re still in school or not, there’s a way for you to register.
Places You Can Register for NECO in Nigeria
NECO Offices Nationwide
One of the first places you can register for NECO is directly at NECO offices. NECO has offices in almost every state in Nigeria. You can walk in, ask questions, and get directed to the right process.
For example, if you’re in Lagos, you can visit the NECO state office in Yaba. If you’re in Abuja, you can check their office at Wuse Zone 4.
The good thing about NECO offices is that you’re sure you’re getting the correct information.
Approved Schools and Centers
Most students actually register through their schools. NECO approves schools and special centers where students can register. If you’re a school candidate, your school handles almost everything for you.
For private candidates, you can check the list of NECO approved centers around your area. These centers are usually schools, tutorial centers, or exam centers licensed by NECO.
Online Registration for NECO
NECO Official Website
If you prefer to do things online, you can also start your NECO registration on their official website: NECO Official Site.
This site contains:
- Step-by-step registration guide.
- Payment details.
- List of approved centers.
But note, even though you can start online, you’ll still need to visit an approved center for your biometric capture (fingerprint and photo).
Steps to Register Online
Here’s how to do it step by step:
- Go to NECO website.
- Create an account and log in.
- Buy a registration token (you can pay online).
- Fill in your personal details correctly.
- Select your exam type (SSCE or GCE).
- Choose your subjects.
- Submit and print your slip.
- Finally, go to an approved center for biometric capture.
Tip: Always double-check your details before submission. Mistakes can affect your result later.
How to Register for NECO as a School Candidate
Role of Your School
If you’re in SS3, your school takes care of almost everything. They will:
- Buy the registration token in bulk.
- Collect your details (name, subjects, passport).
- Upload your information on the NECO portal.
- Guide you through the process.
Basically, your job is to provide correct details and prepare for the exam.
What Students Need to Provide
As a student, here’s what you need to give your school:
- Your passport photograph (usually on white background).
- Your full name (as you want it to appear on your certificate).
- Your subject choices.
- Some schools also collect birth certificates and other documents.
Important: Make sure your names are spelled correctly. Don’t use nicknames or short forms. If your name is “Oluwaseun,” don’t write “Seun.” It will appear like that on your result.
How to Register as a Private Candidate (External)
Registration Centers for Private Candidates
If you’re no longer in school, don’t worry. You can still register as a private candidate. Just visit any approved NECO registration center near you.
Examples are:
- Private secondary schools.
- Licensed tutorial centers.
- NECO state offices.
They will help you with the process, from payment to biometric capture.
Documents You Need
As a private candidate, you’ll need:
- A passport photo.
- Your personal details (name, date of birth, address).
- Registration token (bought online or from banks).
- Your subject selection.
Some centers may ask for a valid ID, but it’s not always compulsory.
Requirements for NECO Registration
Before you rush to register, you need to know what NECO will ask from you. Many students get stuck because they didn’t prepare their details early.
Personal Details You Must Provide
Here are the basic details you’ll need to provide during registration:
- Full name (the way it appears on your birth certificate).
- Date of birth.
- Gender.
- Home address.
- Local Government Area (LGA) and State of Origin.
- Valid passport photograph (clear, not blurry).
- Your subject selection.
Tip: Always use the same name you have on official documents like your WAEC or JAMB registration. That way, you won’t have issues later.
Registration Fees and Payment
NECO registration is not free. You’ll need to pay a fee, which changes from time to time. On average, the fee is around ₦17,800 – ₦19,000 for private candidates. For school candidates, your school will tell you the exact amount.
You can pay:
- Online through the NECO portal.
- In banks that sell NECO registration tokens.
- At your school (if you’re a school candidate).
Important: Always collect your payment receipt or token number after paying. Without it, you can’t continue registration.
Mistakes to Avoid During NECO Registration
Even though registration looks simple, many students make small mistakes that cause big problems later.
Wrong Details
Imagine you registered with the wrong spelling of your name. Later, when you collect your NECO certificate, it won’t match your other documents. This can stop you from gaining admission.
So always check your:
- Name.
- Date of birth.
- Subjects.
Don’t rush. Take your time to confirm everything.
Missed Deadlines
NECO registration always has a deadline. If you wait until the last minute, you may pay extra money (late registration fee) or even miss out completely.
To be safe, register as early as possible once NECO announces that registration has started.
Benefits of Registering Early for NECO
You may be asking, “Why should I rush? I still have time.” Let me tell you why.
More Time to Prepare
When you register early, you’re more relaxed. You already know your exam center, your subjects, and everything is set. That gives you more time to focus on reading instead of worrying about registration.
Avoiding Late Fees
If you delay, you may end up paying late fees. Why spend extra money when you can just do it early? Registering early saves both stress and money.
Common Problems Students Face During Registration
Even if you plan well, some issues can come up during registration.
Payment Issues
Sometimes, the portal may not confirm your payment immediately. This can delay your registration. That’s why I always tell students: keep your receipt safe. If anything happens, you can use it as proof.
Wrong Centers
Some students register at centers that are not approved by NECO. Later, they discover that their details were not uploaded properly. To avoid this, always confirm that the center you are using is listed as an approved NECO center.
How to Confirm Your NECO Registration
After registering, don’t just relax. Confirm that everything is correct.
Checking Your Details
Log in to the NECO portal with your token and check your slip. Make sure your:
- Name.
- Subjects.
- Exam type (SSCE or GCE).
- Exam center.
are all correct.
Getting Your Exam Number
Every candidate gets a unique NECO exam number. Without it, you can’t write the exam. This number is usually given after your registration is completed and confirmed.
Tips to Make NECO Registration Easy
I know NECO registration can sound stressful, but here are simple tips that will make it very easy for you:
Keep Documents Ready
Don’t wait until the day of registration before looking for your passport photo or your LGA. Have everything ready.
Ask Questions
If you’re not sure about something, ask questions. Don’t assume. Your school, NECO office, or even other students can help you. Remember, it’s better to ask than to make a mistake.
Conclusion
Registering for NECO doesn’t have to be stressful. You can register through your school, at NECO offices, approved centers, or online. Just make sure you have the right details, register early, and confirm everything before the deadline.
If you follow these steps, I promise you that your NECO registration will be smooth, and you’ll be free to focus on preparing for the exam.
FAQs
1. Can I register for NECO myself?
Yes, you can start online, but you’ll still need to go to an approved center for biometric capture.
2. How much is NECO registration fee?
The fee is usually between ₦17,800 – ₦19,000, but your school may add extra charges if you’re a school candidate.
3. Can I use NECO for university admission?
Yes, NECO is accepted in all Nigerian universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.
4. Where can I buy NECO registration tokens?
You can buy them online through the NECO website or from banks and approved vendors.
5. What happens if I miss the NECO registration deadline?
You may pay a late registration fee, or in some cases, you may not be allowed to register at all. That’s why early registration is the best.
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.