NECO Syllabus for Chemistry 2025

The National Examinations Council (NECO) Chemistry syllabus is designed to assess students’ understanding of fundamental chemistry concepts, practical applications, and problem-solving skills. The NECO Syllabus for Chemistry is structured to provide candidates with a solid foundation in theoretical and experimental chemistry, ensuring they develop critical thinking abilities necessary for further studies in science-related fields.

Chemistry, as a branch of science, explores the properties, composition, and behavior of matter, making it essential for students interested in careers in medicine, engineering, pharmacy, and environmental sciences. The NECO Chemistry syllabus covers a broad range of topics, including atomic structure, chemical bonding, states of matter, thermodynamics, acids and bases, organic chemistry, electrochemistry, and environmental chemistry.

Additionally, practical chemistry plays a significant role in the syllabus, enabling students to apply theoretical knowledge to real-life laboratory experiments.

Table of Contents

Outline of the NECO Syllabus for Chemistry

The NECO Syllabus for Chemistry is structured to align with the Senior Secondary School (SSS) curriculum and is intended to prepare students for the NECO Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE).

Introduction to Chemistry

Measurement of physical quantities.
Scientific methods and their importance in chemistry.

Structure of the Atom

Gross features of the atom.
Atomic number, mass number, isotopes, and relative atomic mass.
Electron configuration and orbitals.

Periodic Table and Periodicity

Historical development of the periodic table.
Periodic law and periodicity of elements.
Periodic classification of elements.

Chemical Bonding

Interatomic bonding.
Formation of ionic and covalent bonds and compounds.
Properties of ionic and covalent compounds.

Stoichiometry and Chemical Reactions

Symbols, formulae, and equations.
Empirical and molecular formulae.
Laws of chemical combination.

States of Matter

Kinetic theory of matter.
Changes of state of matter.
Diffusion.

Energy and Energy Changes

Energy and enthalpy.
Description, definition, and illustrations of energy changes and their effects.

Acids, Bases, and Salts

Definitions of acids and bases.
Physical and chemical properties of acids and bases.
Concept of pH.

Solubility of Substances

General principles.
Practical application of solubility.

Chemical Kinetics and Equilibrium

Rate of reactions.
Factors affecting rates.
Equilibrium principles.

Redox Reactions

Oxidation and reduction processes.
Oxidizing and reducing agents.
Electrochemical cells.

Chemistry of Carbon Compounds

Classification and functional groups.
Separation and purification of organic compounds.
Petroleum/crude oil.

Chemistry, Industry, and the Environment

Chemical industry.
Environmental pollution.
Biochemical processes.

Basic Biochemistry and Synthetic Polymers

Proteins and amino acids.
Polymers.

Recommended Textbooks for NECO Chemistry

To effectively prepare for the NECO Chemistry examination, the following textbooks are recommended:

New School Chemistry for Senior Secondary Schools by O. Y. Ababio (2009, Fourth Edition). This comprehensive text offers detailed explanations of chemistry concepts and is widely used in Nigerian secondary schools.
Senior Secondary Chemistry by S. T. Bajah, B. O. Teibo, G. Onwu, and A. Obikwere (Books 1-3, 1999-2000). These volumes provide in-depth coverage of the chemistry syllabus, with numerous examples and practice questions.
Understanding Chemistry for Schools and Colleges by G. O. Ojokuku (2012, Revised Edition). This book presents chemistry principles clearly and concisely, making it suitable for both classroom learning and self-study.
Essential Chemistry for Senior Secondary Schools by I. A. Odesina (2008, Second Edition). This text focuses on essential topics and includes practical activities to enhance understanding.
Countdown to WASSCE/SSCE, NECO, JME Chemistry by I. O. Uche, I. J. Adenuga, and S. L. Iwuagwu (2003). Designed for exam preparation, this book offers summaries of key topics and practice questions to test comprehension.

Conclusion

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