The National Examinations Council (NECO) is one of the biggest examination bodies in Nigeria. Despite this, people still lose their NECO certificates due to several reasons. Sometimes, it may get missing when you move to a new house or fire destroys it.
If this has happened to you, don’t worry. You can still get a new official document from NECO. This article will show you a guide on how to retrieve your missing NECO certificate.
As said earlier, many people lose their NECO certificate for different reasons. First, let’s consider some reasons why they do that;
Reasons People Lose Their NECO Certificate
These are some of the reasons why many people lose their NECO certificate:
1. Misplacement While Moving
When you move to a new house, it’s easy for documents to get missing in the process. A small paper like a certificate can slip out of a file or box without nobody knowing about it.
2. Fire or Water Damage
Sometimes, a fire outbreak or flooding can destroy important documents, including certificates. This is an unforeseen events that was not planned that affects the lose of property.
3. Theft or Robbery
In some cases, personal belongings including documents get stolen by thieves or robbers. The sad part of this is that the robbers may not even do anything reasonable with the certificate. It could just be a collateral damage in the process of the robbery.
4. Giving It to Someone and Forgetting
It is possible that you may give your certificate to someone and forget to collect it back. The moment you remember and ask for it back, they may have misplaced it from where you they kept it.
5. Poor Storage Habits
Many people have poor storage habit. Regardless of how important or valuable an item is, they would just throw it anywhere. That could be the case of the NECO certificate. Over time, the paper gets damaged or lost.
Can You Get Another NECO Certificate If You Lose Yours?
The short No. NECO does not issue another certificate once the original has been given to you. However, the good news is that NECO allows you to apply for something called a Certified Statement of Result.
This is an official document from NECO that contains the same details as your certificate your name, exam number, subjects, and grades. It is printed and signed by NECO, and it carries the NECO logo and stamp.
So, if you have lost your NECO certificate, you should apply for this Certified Statement of Result. It is valid and accepted everywhere.
Documents Needed to Retrieve a Lost NECO Certificate
Ensure you have the following documents handy to retrieve the NECO certificate;
1. Application Letter
This involves writing a short letter addressed to the Registrar of NECO and explaining that you lost your certificate and want to request a Certified Statement of Result. Include your full name, exam year, and exam number in the letter.
2. Police Report
Next, go to any police station and report that you lost your NECO certificate. The police will give you an official report confirming the loss. NECO needs this to make sure the document was not stolen or used by someone else.
3. Court Affidavit
Visit any court and swear an affidavit stating that your NECO certificate was lost. This is an official legal statement confirming that the certificate belongs to you.
4. Birth Certificate or Age Declaration
This helps NECO confirm your personal details and ensure that they match what is in their record. If it doesn’t match, then that is another extra stress for you.
6. Valid National Identification
Your national identification documents should be one of either your NIN slip, national ID card, voter’s card, international passport, or driver’s license.
How to Retrieve Your Lost NECO Certificate
Below is a detailed guide on how to go about retrieving your NECO certificate in 2025:
Step 1: Visit a NECO Office
Go to the nearest NECO office in your state or zone. If you wrote your exam in another state, you can visit the NECO office in that state for faster results.
Step 2: Go to the Exams and Records Department
When you get there, tell the officer at the front desk that you lost your NECO certificate and want to apply for a Certified Statement of Result. They will direct you to the right department.
Step 3: Fill Out the Official Form
The staff will give you a form to fill. Write your personal details, exam number, school name, and year correctly.
Step 4: Attach All Required Documents
Attach your police report, affidavit, passport photos, ID card, and birth certificate to the form. Make sure all documents are clear and original (with photocopies).
Step 5: Pay the Processing Fee
You will be told the exact amount to pay. Usually, payment is made through Remita or a designated bank. You will get a Remita Retrieval Reference (RRR) number for your payment.
Step 6: Submit the Form and Payment Receipt
After payment, go back to the NECO office with your receipt. Submit your form, documents, and proof of payment to the officer in charge.
Step 7: Collect Your Certified Statement of Result
Once it’s ready, go back to the office with your acknowledgment slip and ID card. Collect your Certified Statement of Result.
How Much Does It Cost to Retrieve a Lost NECO Certificate?
The cost of retrieving a lost NECO certificate may change depending on the year, or location. But, generally it should nig exceed N30,000.
What to Do If You Wrote NECO Many Years Ago
If you wrote NECO a long time ago, say before 2005 or early 2000s, don’t worry. You can still retrieve your result, but it may take a little longer.
Older results may not be stored on the computer system. NECO may have to check their old paper records or archives.
When you go to the NECO office, give them every detail you can remember such as your school name, exam center, exam type, and subjects you wrote. This information will help them locate your record faster.
Sometimes, NECO may even contact their headquarters in Minna, Niger State, to help verify your old record. This is normal so don’t panic.
If they tell you to come back after some weeks, just be patient. Once they find your record, they’ll print your Certified Statement of Result and call you to come for it.
How Long Does It Take to Get the Replacement?
After you have submitted your application and all the needed documents to NECO, you won’t get your Certified Statement of Result immediately. It takes between 2 to 4 weeks to get your replacement but this can change depending on where you applied and how fast your information is verified.
For example, if your NECO exam record is recent (maybe from 2015 or later), the process is usually faster because everything is already stored on NECO’s computer system. But if you wrote your exam a long time ago, especially before 2005, it might take longer. This is because NECO may need to look for your record in their old paper files or archives, which takes extra time.
Also, the speed of the process may depend on how busy the NECO office in your state is. It is no news that offices in big cities like Lagos or Abuja usually handle more people, so processing might take a few extra days.
When you start early, you’ll have enough time for verification and collection and you won’t feel rushed or stressed when you need it.
What to Do After Getting Your Certified Statement of Result
Here are simple steps you should take immediately after collecting it:
1. Make Several Photocopies Right Away
As soon as you collect the document, go to a photocopy center and make at least 5 to 10 copies. You will need these for school, NYSC, or job applications. So, it is better to give out copies instead of the original, so the real one stays safe.
2. Scan and Keep a Soft Copy
Use your phone or a scanner to take a clear picture or PDF scan of your result. Then, save it in your email or phone storage. This digital copy will help you if you never to misplace the original again. You can also easily print another copy from your phone whenever you need it.
3. Use the Statement for All Official Purposes
Don’t worry much about the name even though it’s called a Certified Statement of Result, it is fully accepted everywhere your certificate would have been used. It is legally valid and has NECO’s official stamp and signature.
4. Store the Original Safely
Keep the main copy inside a file or plastic folder. Store it in a dry, safe place where water or fire cannot damage it. Avoid leaving it on a table or inside a bag for too long. You can even laminate it to keep it from tearing or fading over time.
Important Note
- Do not pay anyone outside the NECO office to help you get your certificate. There are many scammers who pretend to be NECO staff. Always pay inside the official NECO office or through the Remita platform.
- After payment, keep your payment receipt safe. You will need it when collecting your document.
Conclusion
Realistically, losing your NECO certificate can be stressful, but it’s not the end of the world. NECO allows you to get a Certified Statement of Result which works exactly like your certificate.
