Why Some 2024 NECO and WAEC Candidates Might Miss Out on Admission – NSSEC: Dr. Iyela Ajayi who is the Executive Secretary of the National Senior Secondary Education Commission (NSSEC), recently highlighted a concern for 2024 NECO candidates. According to him, around 40% of these candidates may not qualify for tertiary education due to failing grades in key subjects—specifically mathematics and English language.
Dr. Ajayi shared this insight on Tuesday during a five-day training workshop in Calabar, aimed at improving the skills of English and mathematics teachers in the South-South Geo-Political Zone. His remarks drew attention to the 2024 NECO results, which revealed that only 61% of candidates achieved five credits or more, including passes in English and math. Unfortunately, the remaining 40% fell short in these crucial subjects, impacting their eligibility for higher education.
A Similar Pattern with WAEC Results
Dr. Ajayi also noted a similar trend with the 2024 West African Examination Council (WAEC) results. Approximately 28% of WAEC candidates failed to pass both English and mathematics, which could also hinder their admission prospects. This issue sheds light on the broader challenges in Nigeria’s education system, where passing core subjects like math and English is essential for tertiary education access.
The Importance of Quality Teachers
During his address, Dr. Ajayi stressed that without highly trained teachers, even the best curricula, facilities, and infrastructure cannot advance the nation’s education sector. He emphasized that Nigeria faces a significant shortage of qualified teachers, both in quality and quantity. To address this, NSSEC has prioritized the training and retraining of teachers, especially in core subjects like mathematics and English.
Also Read: How to check your WAEC result 2025
“Teachers are the backbone of any educational system,” Dr. Ajayi remarked. “If we ignore their training and motivation, we are undermining education itself, which is ultimately counterproductive.”
The training in Calabar aims to deepen teachers’ pedagogical knowledge, develop their assessment skills, and encourage collaboration among them. This approach aligns with NSSEC’s goal of empowering educators to bring out the best in their students.
Support from Cross River State
The workshop received strong support from the Cross River State government. Declaring the event open, the state’s Commissioner for Education, Senator Stephen Odey, expressed gratitude for this rare opportunity. Represented by Mr. Emmanuel Ikade, the Permanent Secretary of the state’s Ministry of Education, Odey emphasized that many teachers had not received any training since their employment due to limited funding.
He encouraged teachers attending the workshop to take the training seriously and share what they learn with others who couldn’t attend.
Also Read: How to check your NECO RESULT 2025
Training’s Long-Term Impact on Students
One of the workshop’s resource persons, Prof. Samuel Nneji from the Department of Mathematics and Computer Science Education at Enugu State University of Technology (ESUT), highlighted the importance of innovative teaching. According to Prof. Nneji, the training empowers teachers to inspire their students and develop adaptable skills, even in challenging environments.
“Teachers need to adopt innovative methods,” he explained. “Some traditional techniques are outdated and no longer effective in today’s classrooms. Teachers today need creative strategies to help students understand better.”
This teacher training initiative by NSSEC reflects a commitment to raising educational standards in Nigeria by equipping teachers with the skills they need to succeed and inspire students. By improving the quality of education, NSSEC aims to address the gaps revealed in recent exam results and give future candidates a better chance at accessing tertiary education.
How WAEC and NECO candidates can pass mathematics and English Examination
To pass mathematics and English in NECO and WAEC, candidates need a solid study plan focused on key areas and consistent practice. In mathematics, it’s crucial to master foundational topics like algebra, geometry, and trigonometry, as these often appear in exams. Solving past questions and practicing with timed exercises can improve speed and accuracy, helping students gain confidence in handling different types of problems. For English, focus on grammar, vocabulary, and comprehension skills. Reading widely, summarizing passages, and practicing essay writing can help build language skills and prepare students for both objective and written sections.
Additionally, using study resources like textbooks, online tutorials, and mock exams can provide an advantage. Time management is essential, so students should create a study schedule that dedicates regular time to both subjects. Staying consistent, taking breaks to avoid burnout, and reviewing challenging areas frequently are key strategies for success. Seeking help from teachers or joining study groups can also provide extra support. By following a structured approach and staying motivated, students can boost their chances of passing mathematics and English with flying colors.
Thanks for reading.
