Thanks for joining us! I'm Prudent Joshua, and in this article, I'm going to discuss something quite a lot of students and even parents of students have been asking me about lately: the GCE Registration 2024/2025 now.
If you are a student gearing towards taking the GCE, or perhaps you have friends or relations who are likely interested in it, I believe you will find this article useful in explaining all the questions that you have.
This is how it happened. Not long ago, I participated in one of universities for a seminar, and during its lunch break, I was approached by a number of students with this request, “Prudent Joshua, please tell us about GCE Registration 2024/2025.
Now, how do we fill the forms? When can we fill the forms and when will the registration process commence?” I thought to myself, can these students really want to know such details about the process?
In Nigeria, the General Certificate Examination (GCE) is of utmost significance, especially for the students looking to get enrolled in a university, polytechnic, or college.
Some students even take it to supplement their secondary School result. However, many can get lost in terms of details such as how to register for the GCE, the timelines, the costs involved, and other such things. Therefore, let us take it step by step and try to maintain the complex as much simple as we can.
GCE Registration 2024/2025
What is GCE?
General Certificate Examination, GCE, is an external exam carried out in Nigeria by the West African Examination Council (WAEC) for students that were unable to write their WAEC or due to unsatisfactory results in some certain subjects.
It is through GCE that students who weren’t able to complete all the subjects can still get a chance at success. The difference with the traditional exams is that students do not have to be registered in school to take GCE. Why GCE is often referred to as the ‘second chance’ exam.
Why Do People Register for GCE?
The GCE examination is an examination which for the most part aims at assisting those students who have already graduated from secondary schools to gain a certificate which may help them pursue any higher education or employment in the future. This is a significant type of examination that every person above secondary level has to undertake.
Consider a situation where a graduate of some university has an intention of making a complete change of career. Such as deciding to transfer from engineering to political science for instance.
It is not impossible, but very likely that these graduates would not have acquired some requisite subjects and hence would become qualified for such transfer of an academic discipline.
The candidates will not encounter difficulty in deciding which GCE examination to write as they can either register for WAEC GCE or NECO GCE.
There are quite a range of reasons as to why students or even adults would register for GCE. Some who are famous for registering to the exams are:
To Improve Grades – In this case, the primary goal is clearing the WAEC exams and attaining high scores.
To Meet Admission Requirements – There are minimum requirements for a candidate's eligibility for enrollment, and if you don't have one, then the GCE is ideal for you.
To Complete Secondary Education – Because not all students complete their secondary schooling, they earn the GCE as a certificate and submit it to prove there schooling completion.
As a Backup Plan – Many students register for GCE as a precaution in case something goes amiss with their primary WAEC exams.
This helpful Article is for those who are searching GCE Registration 2024/2025 and interested in writing the CB-wassce(which stands for Computer Based West African Senior School Certificate Examinations) or taking the Pen and Paper Test GCE.
Registration Period
The registration begins and ends from 8th July to 30th October 2024. There is no time left but it is advisable to register as early as possible. Procrastination may sometimes lead to making errors or having delays so why not do it as soon as possible.
Registration Fee
The fee for the GCE second Series is ₦27,000, with an additional N500 for Bank commission. Like all other fees, this one is also paid in order to get processed for registration and examination. If you are making a payment to an authorized bank or to the WAEC website, ensure you do so to avoid complications.
How To Register For GCE 2024/2025
The task of registering for the GCE is in fact easy, though it is worth noting that every step should be followed with great attention. Here is a nice description of how to do it:
- Visit WAEC Website
To register for GCE 2024/2025, Go to the official website of WAEC at www.waeconline.org.ng.
- Create an account for WAEC
When you’re on the site, you will be required to open an account without one existing. This account will permit you to fill in relevant details such as subject(s) to be taken and to provide a passport photograph.
- Obtain Registration PIN
You should first get registration PIN before proceeding any further. This PIN can be bought from approved banks, WAEC offices or accredited cyber cafes. Just ensure that the PIN is genuine because any bogus PIN will not do.
Payments can be made at any of the following banks:
- Access Bank Plc
- Guaranty Trust Bank Plc
- Stanbic IBTC Bank Plc
- United Bank for Africa Plc
- Ecobank Plc
- Heritage Bank Plc
- Standard Chartered Bank Plc
- Unity Bank Plc
- Fidelity Bank Plc
- Jaiz Bank
- Sterling Bank Plc
- WEMA Bank Plc
- First Bank of Nigeria Ltd
- Polaris Bank Ltd
- Union Bank of Nigeria Plc
- Zenith Bank Plc
- First City Monument Bank Plc
- Now, fill out the registration form
Once you have the PIN, use it to log into your WAEC account and fill in the registration form. This form shall require your personal information, subjects which you wish to write among other things.
- Choose Your Subjects
Go for subjects which will be helpful for your future career or for any other admissions requirement and so on. There is no need to select all the subjects which are nine in number; select the most relevant ones to your target.
- Upload Your Passport Photo
This is a crucial step! Do not forget to upload your recent passport photo that has been taken against a plain background. since this photo is what would be featured on your GCE certificate, it must be taken in a dignified manner.
- Submit the Form and Keep Your Slip Safe
Once you have registered, do not forget that you should print out your registration slip as evidence. This slip carries information like the area, exam number etc. of the examination and thus, should not be misplaced or lost.
What are the procedures for GCE Registration?
In terms of the documents needed, there isn’t much that is required to be able to register for the GCE. Here are the key requirements:
A Valid ID Card – Make sure your National ID card is ready.
Photograph for the passport: A photograph of not less than 45 mm in height by 35 mm in width that meets the specifications of a passport photo as set by the WAEC.
PIN for registration: This is what you will use to fill out the registration form.
Exam Fee – There are exam charges which are needed to be paid.
GCE Examination Date for 2024/2025
The GCE examinations are conducted twice a year in January/February, which is the first Series and August/September which is the Second Series.
The first series is for students who would want to take the exams earlier in the year; the second is meant for those who would wish the exams to be taken late in the year.
Like I said earlier, The registration begins and ends from 8th July to 30th October 2024. So like this now, GCE Registration 2024/2025 has ended.
GCE Registration 2024/2025 – Frequently
Asked Questions To make things even easier for you, here are some of the most common ones and the answers that people seek for on the internet.
1. Is it compulsory to pass through the school for registration for GCE?
Yes you can. The GCE is considered to be an external exam such that you do not have to be in a school to register. This is the same reason why even older people that have finished school a long time are still eligible for the GCE.
2. Is there an age limit for GCE?
No, there is no age limit for GCE. Anyone who feels that they can make use of the certificate may register, even if the person is 16 or 60 years of age.
3. What will happen if I do not register before the closing date?
Sadly, if you forget the deadline, then merely wishing to do the examination at another day will not be enough. You will have to sit for the examination in the following year or the next batch of examinations only. WAEC is very strict with
4. After registering, can I modify some of the subjects?
No, this is difficult to do because you have already registered and submitted your information. This is why you have to be confident of what subjects you wish to pursue before you make the registration complete.
5. How many attempts do I have for GCE examinations?
There is actually no limitation on the number of times one can sit for the GCE. If you did not obtain the desired outcome, you can always wait for the next series and try again.
6. Is GCE the same as WAEC?
Yes. WAEC administers both the GCE and the normal WAEC papers. However, the GCE is specifically for the external students, while the normal WAEC paper is mostly for school going children.
7. Can I use my GCE results in Nigerian universities? What about universities in other places?
Yes, most if not all universities in Nigeria as well as foreign ones, accept GCE results as long as the students meet the requirements for the colleges admission.
8. What should be done in case I misplace my registration slip?
If you have misplaced your registration slip, all is not lost as you can still log in to your WAEC account and reprint the slip at the comfort of your home. Just make sure your login details are secure.
9. Is it allowed to register for both WAEC and GCE in a single calendar year?
Yes, it is allowable. A considerable number of students do this so as to have an alternative plan in case their WAEC results are not satisfactory.
10. GCE Results will be announced at what point in time after the completion of all papers?
G C E results are always announced approximately 45 days after the last paper is sat.
Recommendations on How to Pass GCE Exam
Prepare in Advance
The benefits of effective preparation are often immeasurable. This lets one tackle the syllabus in an organized format and cuts out last minute rush.
It provides you with sufficient time to grasp and integrate the ideas in advance for substantial comprehension and memory retention.
If you start your studies early, you can divide the subjects or units into smaller topics and study them all without being stressed. It also enables you to cope with unforeseen circumstances or issues that come up during your studies.
Make Sure to Research the WAEC GCE Exam Structure
As there are different types of GCE exams, do some research on how these exams will be performed, how they will be structured in terms of the kinds of questions you will be handled, the allocated time and challenges during marking the exam.
If you know what will come out, you will be in a position to strategize on how to study. Pay attention to question patterns when it comes to subjects like use of English, physics or any subject since they may be different.
Always Have a Time Table Available to Study Properly
He who is not sure of their plans might fail in life. We can never understate the importance of planning.
This is where one’s individualistic characteristics begin to reveal itself as they create the study hours that are most ideal for them.
Designate time intervals for every single subject and make sure that all subjects and topics are tackled. You should be practical and realistic about what you can do, taking your other obligations into account.
Conclusion
I hope this tutorial on GCE Registration 2024/2025 has been able to address all your issues. Remember that the GCE could well be your second shot at fulfilling your educational aspirations. Simply follow the directions, make proper preparations, and go out and give it your all.