Just as with the other examination, like WAEC or JAMB, thorough preparation with the right requirements and recommend adequate materials is what can make any student who is preparing to write the NECO whether this upcoming one or the next pass the examination successfully.
It can feel overwhelming, especially for students who have not taken part in any of the secondary school final-year examinations. Because of this, some might feel somehow scared. Worry no more, this article is going to answer all questions regarding the NECO examination; like how to pass, what to read, and what to use for the preparation.
If you have already participated in the WAEC examination, half of your fear should have been gone by now. Why? Because you have experienced what it means to write an external examination. But you still have something to learn. Since the NECO examination differs from other external examinations (although somehow the same), you will need to learn how it is written, the materials you need to study to pass the examination and other related preparation tips for students.
In my previous article, I discussed how to prepare and pass the WAEC examination as well as 9 tips to help students to pass the JAMB examination successfully. Try to check on them - they will help you.
With that being said, let's start by introducing to you the tips to prepare and pass the examination.
1. Use the NECO-recommended textbooks
The National Examination Council (NECO) has some recommended textbooks that students are advised to use for their preparation. Instead of you using any textbooks, Go look for those that are relevant to the course you want to study and buy them. You can visit the nearest books shops to request them. Better still you can get them online.
2. Make use of NECO past questions
Past questions are very important materials to use during your preparation. Since NECO doesn't have enough new questions to set, they are going to repeat the previous one that had been set before.
You should look for the ones that are relevant to your course and make use of them. It is recommended that you use at least 5 previous years' past questions. For example, a student who wants to participate in the 2023 examination, needs to practice with past questions released from the year 2017 to 2022. This will help the students to be more familiar with the way NECO set their questions
3. Look for the appropriate syllabus
Just as the school curriculum works, the NECO syllabus is a guide that will help you to know where you need to study. It contains a list of topics that a student will need to know to pass the examination. You can ask your school principal about it or search for it online.
If you want me to help you with it, you can reach out to me. Nevertheless, I am going to write an article about it. You can do well to always check this website for it.
4. Start to prepare early
You should not waste any time to start preparing once you have gotten the right materials. Even if you have not gotten the materials, you can start studying from the one you are taught in school or better still borrow from a friend. Time is very precious and doesn't wait for anyone. That is why you need to start early. Avoid any spirit of procrastination.
5. Focus on the basics
You must know everything about a certain topic before you can pass the examination. Instead, you are required to know the basic principles of it. Don't stay to cover every detail that a topic conveys. Only the basic is okay for you.
6. Attend private lectures or hire a tutor
Private lectures can boost you up. You should try to attend or hire a person that can help you. If you feel you can study on your own, it is also good. But make sure you create a conducive study environment that will help you to learn well.
If you are also preparing to write WAEC the same year and you have enrolled for a WAEC lecture, you should not bother to attend a separate private lecture. The one you attend for WAEC is okay. It can help you to pass if it is well ascertained.
7. Learn with friends
Group learning is also good. You can look for friends who are also planning to take the examination and are ready to learn. Join them to study any topic you are finding difficult to understand. They might help you to know it. Competition is a good idea in this pattern of learning. You can stir up competition among yourselves to test your ability. This type of competition can help you to know your strength and your weakness.
Note: Candidates sitting for Mathematics and Physics are required to purchase Four Figure Table.
Do you still remember the steps to pass the NECO examination successfully?
- Use the NECO-recommended textbooks.
- Make use of NECO past questions.
- Look for the appropriate syllabus.
- Start to prepare early.
- Focus on the basics.
- Attend private lectures or hire a tutor.
- Learn with friends.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the NECO examination hard to write?
No, the NECO examination is not hard to write. In fact, among all the examinations taken by candidates in their last stage of Secondary School Education, NECO is the easiest of all.
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NECO