When it comes to external examinations in Nigeria, the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and the National Examinations Council (NECO) are often the two primary options for students. Both exams are crucial for secondary school students as they determine eligibility for university admission. However, a common question students often ask is, “Which one is easier to pass, WAEC or NECO?” This article aims to shed some light on this topic.
Understanding the WAEC Examination
WAEC is a large-scale examination conducted across five West African countries: Nigeria, Ghana, Sierra Leone, The Gambia, and Liberia. This examination body has been operational since 1952, setting standard examination papers that assess students’ knowledge and skills.
Understanding the NECO Examination
NECO, on the other hand, is a Nigerian-only examination body established in 1999. It was formed to tackle the problem of delay in the release of WAEC results, which often affected students’ admission to higher institutions.
WAEC vs. NECO: The Debate
The debate about which exam is easier to pass generally hinges on individual perception and personal experience. However, it’s essential to clarify that both WAEC and NECO have a standardized system of setting and marking exams. This standardization means that the difficulty level of both exams should be comparable. Both examinations aim to test students’ understanding and application of secondary school subjects, with a nearly identical subject listing and syllabus.
However, some arguments arise from students’ experiences:
1. The ‘NECO is Easier’ Argument
Some students argue that NECO is easier to pass because it is a Nigerian-centric exam and may have questions more tailored to the Nigerian curriculum. Some also believe that NECO’s marking scheme is more lenient, leading to higher scores. However, these arguments are often based on anecdotal evidence rather than hard facts.
2. The ‘WAEC is Easier’ Argument
On the flip side, some students argue that WAEC is easier to pass because they believe it has more straightforward questions. Also, since WAEC has been around for a longer time, students feel more familiar with its pattern, and there are more past questions available for practice.
The Verdict: Is WAEC or NECO Easier to Pass?
The fact is, there is no definitive answer to this question. Whether WAEC or NECO is easier to pass will ultimately depend on a student’s level of preparation, understanding of the subjects, and exam techniques. Here are a few tips to help you excel in either exam:
- Understand the Syllabus: Get a firm grasp of the syllabus for each subject you’ll be writing. The syllabus serves as a guide for your study and helps you know what to expect in the exams.
- Study Past Questions: Past questions can help you understand the pattern of questions and how to answer them effectively.
- Attend Classes Regularly: Regular class attendance helps reinforce what you’ve learned and can aid in better understanding complex topics.
- Get Adequate Rest: Ensure you get enough rest before your exams. Studying all night might leave you exhausted and less able to concentrate during your exams.
In conclusion, the perceived difficulty or ease of passing WAEC or NECO exams largely depends on individual preparation and understanding. Instead of focusing on which is easier to pass, it would be more beneficial to focus on adequately preparing for whichever examination you decide to take.
