The National Examinations Council (NECO) has announced significant adjustments to the structure of its English Language Paper III for the Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (SSCE) Internal.
Beginning with the 2026 SSCE Internal, the total number of objective questions will be reduced from 100 to 80, with a revised structure covering six sections.
According to an official circular signed by the Osun State Coordinator, Sunday K. Bolaji, and dated September 1, 2025, the new distribution includes:
Antonyms – 10 questions
Appropriateness of Registers – 10 questions
Idioms, Phrasal Verbs, and Foreign Words – 10 questions
Synonyms – 10 questions
Grammatical Structures – 30 questions
Cloze Text – 10 questions
The allocated time for Paper III will also be adjusted to 50 minutes. NECO stated that the change is aimed at streamlining the examination process while enhancing the testing experience for students.
This development follows NECO’s earlier announcement that it will fully transition from paper-and-pencil testing to computer-based examinations starting with the November/December 2025 SSCE External.
The move aligns with the Federal Government’s July 2025 directive mandating the deployment of both public and private Computer-Based Test (CBT) centres nationwide for school-based SSCEs by 2026.
NECO has already opened applications for interested CBT centre operators across the country to seek accreditation, subject to strict technical, infrastructural, and security standards.
According to the Council, these reforms are designed to modernise Nigeria’s examination system, curb malpractice, and improve efficiency, while also promoting greater access to digital education.
