NCEE Fee & Payment Guide — How to Pay Safely Online
The National Common Entrance Examination (NCEE) registration process for 2025 is now open — and one of the first steps for every parent is payment of the registration fee. But with so many unofficial websites and agents claiming to handle payments, it’s vital to know exactly where and how to pay safely.
This guide from The Exam Coach walks you through the official NECO payment process, lists the approved fee amounts, and shares tips to avoid common mistakes or fraud during registration.
NCEE Registration Fees (2025)
The official registration fee for the NCEE is determined by NECO and published annually on their website and portal.
For the 2025 session:
NCEE registration fee: ₦4,750 (subject to confirmation by NECO).
This amount covers:
The exam token (required to register online).
Access to the official NCEE registration portal.
A photocard printout — used as the official exam identification.
Additional optional costs may include:
Cybercafé or agent service charges (₦500–₦1,000, depending on location).
Printing costs for photocards or receipts.
💡 Exam Coach Top Tip: Always verify current fees directly on the NECO NCEE portal before making payment. Official updates are usually posted on neco.gov.ng/ncee.
Official Payment Methods
Parents can complete the payment process in several safe, government-approved ways. Avoid any unofficial links, phone numbers, or social media messages claiming to register pupils directly.
Here’s how to pay the correct way:
1️⃣ Pay Online via the NECO Portal
This is the fastest and safest method for most parents.
Step-by-step:
Go to https://neco.gov.ng/ncee.
Click “Purchase Token”.
Fill in your name, phone number, and email.
Select Remita Payment Gateway (officially integrated).
Choose your preferred payment option:
Debit/credit card (Visa, Mastercard, Verve)
Internet banking
USSD
Confirm the transaction and wait for your payment receipt.
Once successful, you’ll receive a token code via email and on-screen.
This token is used to complete your child’s registration on the NECO portal.
💡 Exam Coach Top Tip: Keep this token code secure. It’s unique and tied to your payment. You’ll need it to register and later to check your child’s result.
2️⃣ Pay at a Bank Branch (Remita-Generated Invoice)
If you prefer an in-person method, you can still pay at any commercial bank in Nigeria using Remita.
Steps:
Visit https://neco.gov.ng/ncee.
Click “Pay at Bank” to generate a Remita Retrieval Reference (RRR).
Print the RRR slip and take it to any bank (UBA, Access, Zenith, GTBank, etc.).
Pay the ₦4,750 fee at the counter.
Collect the printed Remita payment receipt.
Return to the NECO website to complete registration using your RRR and transaction ID.
💡 Exam Coach Top Tip: Always ensure the payment is processed under NECO – National Common Entrance Examination (NCEE), not any other category.
3️⃣ Pay Through Accredited Cybercafés or Agents
In some areas, NECO accredits local ICT centres and schools to assist with payment and registration.
If you’re using an agent:
Ask for their NECO accreditation certificate.
Ensure they process payment through the NECO Remita portal (you should still receive an RRR or token in your name).
Never hand over cash without a printed receipt showing Remita RRR or NECO Token ID.
💡 Exam Coach Top Tip: Parents should always receive their token directly — never rely on an agent to keep or “store” it for you.
Receipts and Proof of Payment
After payment, NECO’s system will automatically generate a Remita receipt or payment confirmation email.
Keep all of the following for your records:
RRR or Token Code (this confirms your payment).
Printed payment receipt or email confirmation.
Photocard after registration (proof your child is fully registered).
Store digital copies (PDFs or photos) in your email or cloud storage — they’re required later for:
Reprinting the photocard before the exam.
Checking results after the exam.
Resolving any payment verification issues.
💡 Exam Coach Top Tip: Receipts are often requested if there’s a system error or duplicate transaction — never delete them and store your copy safely.
Common Payment Issues (and How to Fix Them)
Even official systems can experience delays. Here’s how to solve the most common issues parents face:
1️⃣ “Payment Successful” but No Token Received
Wait 10–15 minutes; Remita can take time to sync.
Check your spam or promotions email folder.
If it still doesn’t appear, visit https://neco.gov.ng/ncee and use “Retrieve Token” to resend it.
2️⃣ Transaction Failed but Money Deducted
Don’t make multiple payments immediately.
Contact your bank — refunds often process within 24–48 hours.
You can also log a complaint directly on the NECO site under “Payment Support.”
3️⃣ Wrong Candidate Details Entered
You can usually correct basic information before final submission.
If already submitted, contact NECO support early (before registration closes).
4️⃣ Duplicate Payment
NECO typically refunds excess payments upon verification.
Keep both Remita receipts for processing.
5️⃣ Agent Didn’t Provide Receipt
Insist on printed proof.
If refused, treat it as a red flag and report to NECO.
💡 Exam Coach Top Tip: Avoid using public cybercafés that can’t print receipts or show your Remita page. Transparency ensures your child’s registration is valid.
FAQs About NCEE Fee Payment
Q: Can I pay for more than one child at once?
A: Yes. You can generate separate RRRs or tokens for each pupil — each tied to a different candidate’s name.
Q: Are there extra fees for online payment?
A: Yes, Remita may add a small service charge (₦100–₦150). It’s official and included in the total.
Q: Can someone else pay for me?
A: Yes, as long as they enter your correct details and email so the token is sent to you.
Q: Is it safe to use my card online?
A: Yes. NECO’s payment system uses Remita, Nigeria’s central payment gateway approved by the Federal Government.
Q: How long does confirmation take?
A: Usually within minutes, but can take up to an hour during peak periods. Always wait before retrying.
Q: Where can I verify my payment?
A: Visit the NECO portal and use the “Check Payment Status” or “Retrieve Token” option.
Paying for your child’s NCEE registration is straightforward when done through the official NECO channels. The key is to avoid shortcuts or unofficial links — they risk both your money and your child’s registration status.
At The Exam Coach, we’ve helped hundreds of families successfully navigate the registration process — from safe payments to last-minute mock tests. If you follow the steps in this guide, you’ll complete your payment securely and have peace of mind knowing your child is officially registered for the 2025 NCEE.
Ready to register and begin your child’s journey to NCEE success?
