By: Baba Mohammed Issahak
A total of 35,893 candidates from 769 schools across the Northern Region are set to sit for the 2025 Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE), which begins on Wednesday, June 11, and continues until Wednesday, June 18.
This year’s examination represents a pivotal milestone for thousands of Junior High School students and reflects the Northern Region’s continued commitment to education and youth development. The exams will be conducted across all 16 Metropolitan, Municipal, and District Assemblies (MMDAs) in the region.
According to data from the Northern Regional Education Directorate, this year’s candidates include 18,647 males and 17,246 females a promising sign of progress in closing the gender gap in basic education.
Of the 769 participating schools, 611 are public institutions, contributing the majority of candidates 32,592 students (17,151 males and 15,441 females). The remaining 158 private schools account for 3,301 candidates, with 1,496 males and 1,805 females.
To ensure the exams are conducted smoothly and fairly, 128 examination centres have been set up across the region. A team of 131 supervisors, 121 assistant supervisors, and 1,262 invigilators has been deployed.
Northern Regional Director of Education, Mr. Alhassan Alidu Jr., commended the hard work and resilience of the candidates. “This examination is not just an academic exercise,” he said. “It is a reflection of the values we stand for freedom, justice, and equal opportunity for every child.”
As the exams commence, parents, teachers, and community members are being encouraged to provide moral and emotional support to candidates during this crucial period. The region is collectively backing the dreams of its young learners as they take this important step toward their educational futures.