Delta sets ‘new record’ as 62% of pupils score distinction in 2025 common entrance exam

The Delta State Government has released the results of the 2025 Cognitive/Placement Examination, recording its best-ever performance since the exam began 34 years ago.

A cognitive/placement examination is a test designed to assess a pupil’s reasoning ability and academic readiness for the next level of education.

In Nigeria, it is commonly referred to as the common entrance examination.

In a statement issued in Asaba over the weekend, Kingsley Ashibogwu, commissioner for primary education, said the state achieved a 93 percent pass rate in the examination — with more than half of the candidates scoring distinction.

“A total of 118,705 candidates sat for the examination. 72,022 (62%) made distinction, 30,844 (25%) got merit, 7,239 (6%) passed, while 6,630 failed and 1,970 (2%) candidates were absent in the examination,” the commissioner said.

Ashibogwu congratulated successful pupils and urged those who failed to redouble their efforts.

He also praised Governor Sheriff Oborevwori for providing the funds and enabling environment that made the smooth conduct and early release of results possible.

According to him, “this is the first time in the history of our dear state where registration of candidates was done online and results also published online for candidates to check.”

He noted that, unlike previous years, the results were released while schools were still in session — another first since the examination began.

“I am pleased to announce to Deltans and residents that our Cognitive/Placement Examination results are out now for check,” he said.

“It will interest you to know that we recorded over 93% pass rate in this year’s examination out of which 62 percent of the candidates got distinction

“Also, this is the first time in the history of our dear State where registration of candidates were done online and results also published online for candidates to check.”

The commissioner also extended appreciation to Daniel Akiri, the then-functioning permanent secretary, as well as Clementina Ojumah, director of examinations and standards, for their contributions to the successful conduct of the exercise.

Delta’s cognitive/placement exam is used to place primary school pupils into secondary schools across the state.

The 2025 edition marks a major leap in digital adoption and performance tracking.