Are you searching for how to easily collect your original NECO certificate in Nigeria? Do you want to know the right office to go to, the documents you need, the payment process, and how long it takes to get it? If yes, this complete 2025 guide explains everything you need to know.
Whether you took your NECO in SSCE (June/July), GCE (Nov/Dec), or as a private candidate, your original NECO certificate is a vital document you’ll need for university admission, NYSC, job applications, and even travel abroad. This article will walk you through how to get your NECO certificate without stress.
Why You Need Your NECO Certificate
Your original NECO certificate is not just another paper—it’s an official proof that you completed secondary school and passed the National Examination Council (NECO) exams. Many Nigerian institutions, embassies, and employers now request the original certificate and not just the result printout.
Here’s why you must collect your NECO certificate:
📄 Needed for NYSC registration and mobilisation
🏫 Required during admission into Nigerian and foreign universities
💼 Important for job interviews and employment screening
🛂 Used for visa processing and international academic applications
🧾 Serves as a backup document for lost or damaged result slips
When Can You Collect Your NECO Certificate?
The NECO certificate is usually ready1 to 2 years after the exam was written. For example:
If you wrote your NECO in 2023, the original certificate will be available for collection by 2025.
For earlier years (e.g., 2010 to 2022), your certificate is already available for pickup.
Note: NECO does not send certificates by post or email. You must collect it physically.
Step-by-Step Process to Collect Your Original NECO Certificate
Follow this guide to collect your original NECO certificate in Nigeria easily:
Step 1: Know Where to Collect the Certificate
Where you collect the certificate depends on the type of NECO exam you wrote:
For SSCE (June/July):
Collect from the school where you sat for the exam.For GCE (Nov/Dec) or Private Candidates:
Collect from the NECO state office in the state where you registered or took the exam.
Step 2: Gather the Required Documents
Before going for collection, prepare these documents:
✅ NECO result printout or exam slip
✅ Valid means of identification (e.g., NIN slip, voter card, school ID)
✅ Passport photograph (recent)
✅ Application letter (some centres request a simple handwritten request)
✅ Payment receipt (if applicable)
Step 3: Pay the Certificate Collection Fee
NECO now charges a certificate processing fee, especially for those collecting directly from NECO offices.
Fee Range: ₦2,000 – ₦5,000 depending on the year and centre
How to Pay:
Some centres accept bank payments or Remita
Others may use POS at the NECO state office
You may be directed to pay via NECO’s official website or Remita portal
Always ask the NECO officer or your school for the official payment method.
Step 4: Visit the Collection Point
Once you have all your documents and payment ready:
Go to your school (for internal candidates) or the NECO state office
Present your documents
Submit your application or verification details
Wait for verification and receive your original NECO certificate
The process usually takes a few minutes to a few hours, depending on the queue.
Step 5: Sign and Collect Your Certificate
You’ll be asked to sign a certificate register confirming you’ve received your original NECO certificate. Check the certificate for:
Your name spelling
Subjects and grades
Centre and exam year
If there are errors, request a correction guide from NECO.
Frequently Asked Questions About Collecting NECO Certificate
1. Can I collect my NECO certificate online?
No. NECO certificates are only available for physical pickup. There is no online or email delivery.
2. Can someone collect my NECO certificate on my behalf?
Yes, but the person must bring an authorization letter signed by you, your valid ID, and their own ID.
3. What if my school no longer exists?
Go to the NECO state office where the school was located. They will guide you on the next steps.
4. What happens if I lost my NECO result slip?
You can request a replacement result printout before going to collect your certificate.
5. Can I collect NECO certificate years after graduating?
Yes, NECO certificates are kept permanently. You can collect yours even 10+ years later.
Final Thoughts: How to Easily Collect Your Original NECO Certificate in Nigeria
Collecting your original NECO certificate in Nigeria in 2025 is easier than most people think. Whether you wrote the exam recently or over a decade ago, the process is the same: prepare your documents, pay the required fee, and go to the right centre for collection.
Don’t delay collecting your NECO certificate—it’s an important document that can open doors for education, employment, and international opportunities.
If you’ve lost your exam slip or don’t know your centre, simply visit the nearest NECO state office for help. Take the steps now and secure your academic future.