NECO Agricultural Science Practical Specimens for 2025/2026: Full Guide for Students and Teachers

NECO Agricultural Science Practical Specimens for 2025/2026: Full Guide for Students and Teachers

The National Examinations Council (NECO) has released the official Agricultural Science practical specimen list for the 2025/2026 Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (SSCE). This guide presents an in-depth analysis of the specimens, their agricultural significance, and preparation strategies. It is intended to help both students and educators prepare thoroughly for the practical paper.

The NECO practical exam tests candidates’ knowledge in identifying, describing, and analyzing agricultural materials. It assesses observational skills, scientific reasoning, and real-life applications of agricultural practices.

Structure of the Specimen List

The specimens are grouped into four major categories:

1. Agricultural Tools and Equipment

2. Organic and Inorganic Fertilizers

3. Crop Specimens

4. Animal Husbandry Materials

Each group serves a specific purpose in evaluating different agricultural concepts and practical knowledge areas.

Group A: Agricultural Tools and Equipment

Specimens:

1. Specimen A: Hand Fork

2. Specimen B: Garden Fork

3. Specimen C: Hand Trowel

4. Specimen D: Knapsack Sprayer

Description and Importance:

Hand Fork and Garden Fork are essential in soil cultivation. The hand fork is typically used for loosening the soil around small plants, while the garden fork is used to break up larger soil clumps and aerate garden beds.

Hand Trowel is a handheld tool used for digging small holes, transplanting seedlings, and mixing soil or fertilizers.

Knapsack Sprayer is a mechanical tool used to apply liquid pesticides, herbicides, and foliar fertilizers on crops. It includes a tank worn on the back, a pump, and a spraying nozzle.

Likely Exam Tasks:

1. Identify and describe each tool.

2. Explain one or two uses in the farm setting.

3. Compare the tools based on size, function, and area of application.

4. Describe maintenance practices for metallic and plastic tools.

NECO Agricultural Science Practical Specimens for 2025/2026: Full Guide for Students and Teachers

Group B: Organic and Inorganic Fertilizers

Specimens:

1. Specimen E: Poultry Droppings

2. Specimen F: Cow Dung

3. Specimen G: NPK Fertilizer

4. Specimen H: Lime (Calcium Carbonate)

Description and Importance:

Poultry Droppings and Cow Dung are organic fertilizers rich in nitrogen and other nutrients. They improve soil structure and fertility without the adverse environmental effects of chemicals.

NPK Fertilizer is a synthetic fertilizer that contains Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), and Potassium (K). It promotes quick and targeted nutrient supplementation.

Lime (Calcium Carbonate) is used to correct soil acidity and improve soil structure. It also supplies calcium for plant growth.

Likely Exam Tasks:

1. State the type of fertilizer and its nutrient composition.

2. Distinguish between organic and inorganic fertilizers.

3. Describe the environmental impact of continuous fertilizer application.

4. Explain how to apply lime to acidic soil and why it is necessary.

Group C: Crop Specimens

Specimens:

1. Specimen I: Onion Bulb

2. Specimen J: Cassava Tuber

3. Specimen K: Maize Cob

4. Specimen L: Groundnut Pod

Description and Importance:

These specimens represent different crop types:

1. Onion Bulb: A vegetable crop propagated by bulb and valued for its culinary and medicinal uses.

2. Cassava Tuber: A staple root crop rich in carbohydrates and a source of industrial starch.

3. Maize Cob: A cereal crop grown widely for its grain and used in food and livestock feed.

4. Groundnut Pod: A leguminous crop that fixes nitrogen and is valued for oil and protein content.

Likely Exam Tasks:

1. Classify each crop based on life cycle, crop group (root, tuber, cereal, legume), and propagation method.

2. State their economic importance.

3. Describe storage and post-harvest methods.

4. Identify diseases or pests affecting each crop and suggest control methods.

Group D: Animal Husbandry Materials

Specimens:

1. Specimen M: Fresh Egg

2. Specimen N: Milk Sample

3. Specimen O: Honey Sample

4. Specimen P: Bone Meal

Description and Importance:

Fresh Egg is an important source of animal protein and used in both breeding and consumption. Students should understand candling and freshness testing.

Milk Sample represents dairy production, a critical aspect of livestock farming. Students must understand pasteurization and dairy hygiene.

Honey Sample demonstrates the contribution of apiculture (bee farming) to human diets and medicine.

Bone Meal is an animal by-product used as a feed supplement due to its high phosphorus and calcium content.

NECO Agricultural Science Practical Specimens for 2025/2026: Full Guide for Students and Teachers

Likely Exam Tasks:

1. Identify and describe each product.

2. State the livestock source and its uses.

3. Discuss hygienic handling and preservation methods.

4. Mention nutrient components (e.g., protein, calcium).

General Preparation Tips for Students

1. Specimen Familiarization: Ensure you physically handle each specimen before the examination. Observe features such as color, texture, smell, and structure.

2. Master Agricultural Terminologies: Use proper scientific and agricultural language when describing specimens. Avoid vague or colloquial expressions.

3. Practice Drawing: Learn to sketch simple diagrams of tools, plant parts, or animal products. Label diagrams correctly, focusing on the most important features.

4. Use Past Practical Questions: Review NECO past practical questions. Practice writing full-length answers to likely questions for each specimen.

5. Study Differences and Comparisons: Be able to compare two similar specimens, such as poultry droppings vs cow dung or hand fork vs garden fork.

Guidance for Teachers and Schools

1. Set Up Specimen Tables: Before mock or revision classes, arrange specimens according to NECO format so students can practice identification under exam conditions.

2. Create Revision Charts: Prepare labeled images of each specimen, including a list of characteristics, uses, and related agricultural knowledge.

3. Conduct Practical Tests: Organize regular mock practicals using these specimens to test observational skills and speed.

4. Reinforce Theory-Practice Links: Connect classroom lessons on soil science, crop production, animal nutrition, and farm tools to the practicals using real-life examples.

Conclusion

The 2025/2026 NECO Agricultural Science Practical Exam is a major part of the assessment and requires hands-on familiarity, theoretical understanding, and precise descriptive skills. By studying each specimen in detail, understanding its agricultural relevance, and practicing with real items, students can approach the exam with confidence and accuracy.

Teachers are advised to guide students in integrating theoretical concepts with physical observation, while students should dedicate time to revising specimens repeatedly. Success in the practical exam lies in keen observation, scientific expression, and thorough preparation.