Best NCEE Preparation Books & Online Resources
Setting Your Child Up for NCEE Success
Getting ready for the National Common Entrance Examination (NCEE) can feel overwhelming. With so many books and websites available, it’s hard to know which ones actually help.
The truth? Not all study materials are created equal.
At The Exam Coach, we’ve analysed hundreds of NCEE preparation tools to find the ones that actually improve scores. This guide shares the best NCEE preparation books and online resources for 2025 — everything your child needs to prepare efficiently, stay motivated, and perform with confidence.
Top Books for NCEE Preparation
Choosing the right books helps your child focus on what really matters: mastering the core topics tested by NECO — Mathematics, English, Verbal and Quantitative Reasoning, and General Studies.
Below are our top recommendations for 2025.
1️⃣ The Official NCEE Past Questions & Answers (NECO / The Exam Coach Edition)
Every great NCEE study plan starts with past questions.
They reveal exactly how questions are phrased, how marks are distributed, and what topics are tested most often.
The Exam Coach provides free, downloadable past questions that follow NECO’s current structure.
They include:
English comprehension and grammar practice
Maths problem-solving and reasoning
Basic Science and Social Studies sections
🧠 Exam Coach Tip: Completing one past paper a week builds stamina, accuracy, and time awareness — three key ingredients for exam success.
2️⃣ “Ugo C. Ugo” NCEE Series (Quantitative and Verbal Reasoning)
For decades, the Ugo C. Ugo series has been one of Nigeria’s most trusted resources for primary-level reasoning practice.
It breaks complex logic and maths problems into clear, step-by-step exercises, ideal for self-study or tutoring.
Why we recommend it:
Directly aligns with the NCEE reasoning sections.
Develops logical thinking, pattern recognition, and speed.
Includes self-assessment questions after every topic.
Perfect for pupils in Primary 5 and 6 who want to boost reasoning scores.
3️⃣ Longman “Exam Success” Series (English, Maths, and Basic Science)
Published by Pearson Longman Nigeria, this set covers every major NCEE subject in one cohesive format.
It’s known for:
Concise explanations with short practice tasks.
Progressive difficulty levels that match NECO’s format.
End-of-chapter tests and quick reviews.
Parents looking for a single, reliable book series can’t go wrong with this one.
4️⃣ Macmillan “Brilliant NCEE Workbooks”
The Macmillan Brilliant series is excellent for visual learners.
It uses colourful examples and illustrations to make comprehension and maths enjoyable.
Why we love it:
Combines explanation with light revision exercises.
Encourages independent study and curiosity.
Great for younger pupils starting early NCEE preparation (Primary 4–5).
5️⃣ Mastering Quantitative and Verbal Reasoning (2025 Edition)
A newer series updated for 2025, focused purely on reasoning.
These books simulate Paper 1 question types and difficulty levels, making them perfect for mock exams at home.
What makes it effective:
300+ practice questions with full worked solutions.
Challenges pupils to apply reasoning to real-life examples.
Reinforces quick mental calculation and vocabulary reasoning.
💡 Pro Tip: Pair this with The Exam Coach’s free mock marking sheets to simulate real exam conditions.
Best Online Platforms for NCEE Preparation
Offline books give structure — but online platforms add flexibility and feedback. Here are the top digital tools Nigerian families use to prepare for the NCEE 2025.
1️⃣ The Exam Coach NCEE Hub
The most complete online platform for NCEE preparation.
It combines expert-written lessons, live classes, and downloadable materials designed specifically for the NECO exam.
What you’ll find:
Weekly live classes in English and Maths.
Free NCEE-style mock exams and past papers.
Personalised feedback from qualified tutors.
Access to Online English Tutors for focused reading and writing support.
2️⃣ BBC Bitesize (Primary English & Science)
A free international platform with engaging, interactive lessons for younger learners.
While not Nigerian-specific, its comprehension and science topics align perfectly with NCEE skill areas.
Benefits:
Clear, visual explanations of English grammar and basic science.
Short video lessons ideal for independent learners.
Reinforces concepts covered in Longman or Macmillan textbooks.
3️⃣ Khan Academy (Mathematics Practice)
This global platform covers nearly every NCEE maths topic — from fractions to data handling — with interactive exercises.
Why it works:
Free and easy to use on phones or laptops.
Encourages daily problem-solving habits.
Great for reviewing tricky topics like ratios or word problems.
Use it as a supplementary tool to sharpen mathematical reasoning skills.
4️⃣ Quizlet (Verbal Reasoning & Vocabulary Games)
Quizlet’s flashcard-style approach makes revision fun and fast.
Parents or tutors can create decks for synonyms, antonyms, or analogy pairs.
Benefits:
Gamified repetition builds long-term memory.
Perfect for 10–15 minute daily sessions.
Helps pupils master tricky verbal reasoning vocabulary.
Practice Papers: The Bridge Between Study and Success
No matter which books or platforms you choose, practice is the ultimate confidence builder.
Encourage your child to:
Complete one full past paper every week.
Time each session to mimic exam conditions.
Review mistakes the same day to reinforce learning.
🏆 Exam Coach Tip: Familiarity with exam timing can raise scores by up to 10–15 marks — purely through reduced stress and better pacing.
Recommended Study Schedule (4–6 Weeks Before the Exam)
Use the materials above in a short, structured plan to maximise results.
Weeks 1–2:
Focus on core subjects: Maths and English.
Use Ugo C. Ugo reasoning books and Longman Exam Success for daily drills.
Take one section of a past paper every two days.
Weeks 3–4:
Add full practice papers every weekend.
Begin using online resources like The Exam Coach Hub and Khan Academy.
Identify weak topics and revise them midweek.
Weeks 5–6:
Focus on timed mock exams and review.
Meet with a tutor for feedback sessions.
Maintain light daily reading and vocabulary games for English.
⏱️ Keep sessions short and consistent — 45 minutes daily beats long, irregular cram sessions.
Final Thoughts: Quality Over Quantity
There are hundreds of NCEE books on the market, but only a handful truly prepare children for the real exam.
The key is to combine:
A few high-quality textbooks,
Regular practice with past papers, and
Interactive online learning for feedback and motivation.
At The Exam Coach, we’ve seen pupils dramatically improve their results using exactly this approach — structured, modern, and focused on the skills NECO actually tests.
Help your child feel fully ready with expert-led online lessons and proven NCEE study materials.
