In Nigeria, many students may not achieve all the required credit passes in a single NECO examination sitting. To provide flexibility and improve admission opportunities, most universities now accept two sittings NECO results. This allows candidates to combine results from two separate NECO examinations to meet the minimum five-credit passes, including English Language and Mathematics, for university admission.
This article provides a comprehensive 2025 guide to all Nigerian universities that accept two sittings NECO results, explains eligibility requirements, highlights the advantages, outlines challenges, and offers practical strategies for successful admission.
What is a Two Sittings NECO Result?
A two sittings NECO result occurs when a candidate completes some subjects in one NECO examination sitting and the remaining subjects in a subsequent sitting. For example, a student may have taken English, Mathematics, and Economics in 2023, then Biology, Chemistry, and Physics in 2024.
Benefits of Two Sittings NECO
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Flexibility – Retake failed subjects without repeating all exams.
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Improved Scores – Gives students a chance to enhance grades.
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Course Options – Some programs require specific subjects that can be split across sittings.
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Higher Admission Chances – Ensures the minimum five-credit passes are met for university requirements.
How Universities Treat Two Sittings NECO Results
Universities generally accept two sittings NECO results if:
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Both results are officially issued by NECO.
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The candidate meets minimum entry requirements.
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The results are presented correctly during JAMB registration and post-UTME verification.
Eligibility Requirements for Two Sittings NECO
Candidates must meet specific conditions before using two sittings NECO results for admission:
1. Valid NECO Certificates
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Only original NECO certificates are accepted.
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Online result slips or provisional reports are not sufficient for final admission.
2. Minimum Credit Passes
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Candidates must have at least five credit passes including:
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English Language
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Mathematics
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Any subject required for the intended course of study
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3. Course-Specific Requirements
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Certain programs require particular subjects:
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Science courses: Physics, Chemistry, Biology/Mathematics
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Arts/Social Science: Literature, Economics, Government, etc.
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4. JAMB Registration Compliance
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Both NECO exam numbers and sitting years must be accurately entered during UTME registration.
5. Result Validity
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Universities generally accept NECO results within 2–3 years. Older results may require special consideration.
Full List of Universities Accepting Two Sittings NECO Results
Just like WAEC, most federal, state, and private universities in Nigeria accept two sittings NECO results. Below is a detailed list:
Federal Universities
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University of Lagos (UNILAG) – Two sittings NECO results are accepted for all programs.
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University of Ibadan (UI) – Recognizes two sittings NECO for UTME candidates.
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Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) – Accepts two sittings for science, arts, and social sciences.
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University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN) – NECO two sittings results allowed for all faculties.
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Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) – Two sittings results can be combined.
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University of Benin (UNIBEN) – Accepts two sittings NECO, especially for competitive courses.
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University of Port Harcourt (UNIPORT) – Two sittings recognized for all candidates.
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Bayero University Kano (BUK) – NECO results across two sittings accepted.
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University of Ilorin (UNILORIN) – Full acceptance of two sittings results.
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Federal University of Technology, Minna (FUTMINNA) – Candidates can combine results.
State Universities
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Lagos State University (LASU) – Accepts two sittings NECO for UTME and direct entry.
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Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU) – NECO two sittings recognized.
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Ambrose Alli University (AAU) – Allows combining two sittings results.
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Ekiti State University (EKSU) – Recognizes two sittings results.
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Kano University of Science & Technology (KUST) – Two sittings NECO accepted.
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Rivers State University (RSU) – Two sittings NECO recognized.
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Delta State University (DELSU) – Accepts two sittings results.
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Abia State University (ABSU) – NECO two sittings recognized.
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Osun State University (UNIOSUN) – Two sittings NECO accepted.
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Enugu State University of Science & Technology (ESUT) – Two sittings NECO allowed.
Private Universities
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Babcock University – Recognizes two sittings NECO results.
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Covenant University – Accepts two sittings NECO.
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Bowen University – Two sittings NECO results allowed.
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Redeemer’s University (RUN) – NECO two sittings recognized.
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Afe Babalola University (ABUAD) – Accepts two sittings results.
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American University of Nigeria (AUN) – Recognizes NECO two sittings.
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Pan-Atlantic University – Two sittings NECO results accepted.
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Bells University – Candidates can combine two sittings results.
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Landmark University – Two sittings NECO recognized.
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Igbinedion University – Accepts two sittings NECO for all courses.
Note: Most Nigerian universities now accept two sittings results, but candidates should always confirm course-specific subject requirements.
How to Apply Using Two Sittings NECO Result
Step 1: Verify Your NECO Results
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Ensure you have five credit passes across both sittings.
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Core subjects: English Language, Mathematics, and course-specific subjects.
Step 2: Register for JAMB UTME
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During registration, indicate that you are using two sittings NECO results.
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Enter exam numbers and years accurately.
Step 3: Post-UTME Registration
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Present both NECO certificates during document verification.
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Photocopies may also be required in advance.
Step 4: Confirm Course Requirements
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Check that your subject combination meets minimum requirements for your course.
Step 5: Submit Applications Early
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Avoid last-minute mistakes to prevent rejection during verification.
Advantages of Using Two Sittings NECO
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Flexibility – Gives candidates a second chance to improve weaker subjects.
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Increased Admission Chances – Many universities accept two sittings results.
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Broader Course Access – Allows access to programs with strict subject requirements.
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Better Academic Record – Combines strengths across two sittings.
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Reduced Pressure – Less stress compared to achieving all credits in one sitting.
Challenges and How to Overcome Them
Challenge | Solution |
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Mistaken NECO exam number entry | Double-check during JAMB registration |
Subjects mismatch with course | Verify subject requirements before applying |
Post-UTME verification failure | Bring original certificates and photocopies |
Limited knowledge of accepted universities | Consult school counselors or JAMB centers |
Late NECO certificate collection | Collect certificates early to avoid delays |
Tips for Using Two Sittings NECO Effectively
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Plan Subject Combination – Take weaker subjects in the second sitting.
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Focus on Core Subjects – Pass English Language and Mathematics with credit.
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Verify Course Requirements – Check university-specific requirements.
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Retake Strategically – Prioritize low grades in the second sitting.
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Keep Certificates Safe – Originals are needed for verification.
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Seek Guidance – Consult school counselors or JAMB offices.
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Apply Early – Avoid last-minute registration errors.
Summary Table: Universities Accepting Two Sittings NECO
University Type | Examples | Notes |
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Federal Universities | UNILAG, UI, ABU, UNN, OAU, UNIBEN | Two sittings NECO accepted for all courses |
State Universities | LASU, OOU, EKSU, AAU, BUK | Verify course-specific requirements |
Private Universities | Covenant, Babcock, Bowen, ABUAD, RUN | NECO two sittings recognized |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can all universities in Nigeria accept two sittings NECO?
Most accredited universities do, but always check course-specific requirements.
2. How many credits are required?
At least five credit passes including English Language, Mathematics, and relevant subjects.
3. Can I combine NECO and WAEC?
Yes, if the university permits a combination of both.
4. Do private universities accept two sittings NECO?
Yes, most private universities in Nigeria recognize two sittings results.
5. Can I use two sittings NECO for Medicine or Engineering?
Yes, provided required science subjects are credit passes.
6. How old can NECO results be?
Universities typically accept results up to 2–3 years old.
7. Can failed subjects from the first sitting be used?
No, only credit passes are valid.
8. How do I register JAMB with two sittings NECO?
Select “two sittings NECO” during UTME registration and enter exam numbers correctly.
9. Are original certificates required?
Yes, originals must be presented during post-UTME verification.
10. Does using two sittings affect admission chances?
No, if the combination meets requirements, it can improve chances.
11. Can subjects be strategically combined?
Yes, select the strongest subjects across the two sittings to meet minimum requirements.
Conclusion
Using two sittings NECO results provides flexibility, enhances academic performance, and increases chances of gaining university admission in Nigeria. Federal, state, and private universities now widely recognize two sittings results, provided candidates meet minimum credit passes and course-specific requirements.
By planning subject combinations, registering correctly with JAMB, and verifying certificates, candidates can maximize their 2025 admission opportunities while reducing the stress of single-sitting examinations.