In Nigeria, external examinations are conducted by various examination bodies depending on the level of education and the purpose of the examination. Here are some of the key external examinations and their general processes:
1. **West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE)**:
- Conducted by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) for students completing secondary education.
- Exams usually take place in May/June each year, with candidates sitting for a variety of subjects.
- Schools register candidates, and WAEC provides the exam timetable, syllabus, and center allocations.
- After exams, results are released online and through schools.
2. **National Examination Council (NECO)**:
- NECO conducts the Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (SSCE) and other examinations.
- Like WAEC, the NECO SSCE is also taken by secondary school students and generally occurs around the same time as WASSCE.
- Schools are responsible for registering their students, and NECO provides exam materials and supervision.
3. **Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME)**:
- Conducted by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) for candidates seeking admission into tertiary institutions.
- The examination is typically held once a year and covers subjects relevant to the candidates' chosen fields of study.
- Candidates must register online, choose subjects, and select examination centers.
- The exams include Computer-Based Testing (CBT), which occurs on specific dates set by JAMB.
4. **Common Entrance Examination**:
- Administered by the National Examination Council (NECO) for students seeking admission into junior secondary schools.
- The examination usually takes place once a year, and candidates are registered through their schools.
5. **Professional Examinations**:
- Various professional bodies in Nigeria also conduct external examinations, including the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria (ICAN) and the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) for lawyers.
- These exams have specific requirements and schedules, often including both written and practical components.
### General Process for External Exams:
1. **Registration**: Candidates must register for examinations through their schools (for school-based exams) or individually (for professional exams).
2. **Preparation**: Candidates prepare according to prescribed syllabi and recommended study materials.
3. **Examination Administration**: On the examination day, candidates report to designated centers with identification documents. Exams are monitored by officials from the relevant examination bodies to ensure integrity.
4. **Results Release**: After grading, results are released online and through schools, with candidates able to check their performance.
5. **Post-Examination Processes**: Successful candidates can use their results for further education or professional qualifications, while some may require additional assessments (e.g., post-UTME) for university admission.
The examination system in Nigeria has its challenges, including exam malpractice, logistical issues, and disparities in access to quality education, which the government and various stakeholders continue to address.