The National Examinations Council (NECO) has officially announced the establishment of a new examination center in London, United Kingdom. This initiative is part of NECO's strategy for global expansion, aimed at providing credible assessment opportunities for Nigerians residing in the diaspora.
The new center was introduced by NECO's Registrar and Chief Executive, Professor Dantani Ibrahim Wushishi, during the Education Matters Conference UK 2025. This initiative has been developed in collaboration with Barnfield Education Ltd.
The primary objective of this endeavor is to create opportunities for both Nigerian students and adult learners in the United Kingdom who, for various reasons, have not completed their secondary education or acquired equivalent qualifications.
Professor Wushishi emphasized the Council's commitment to offering credible and accessible examination opportunities for Nigerians abroad, in alignment with the Federal Government’s education policy, which prioritizes inclusivity and global engagement.
He described the new Senior School Certificate Examination center as a strategic advancement in expanding NECO's global footprint, noting that the Council is currently administering examinations in seven countries, including Saudi Arabia, with additional centers awaiting accreditation in Egypt and Burkina Faso.
The London examination center is anticipated to empower Nigerians residing abroad, foster national pride, and enhance the global recognition of NECO certificates. These certificates are already recognized by several institutions in the United Kingdom, such as Birmingham City University and Leeds Trinity University, as well as by institutions in the United States, Canada, India, China, and Russia.
In a goodwill message, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, commended NECO for this initiative, describing it as a critical step towards ensuring that “no Nigerian child, whether at home or abroad, is left behind.” He stated that this initiative aligns with the Ministry’s objective of harnessing the diaspora as a significant educational resource.
Furthermore, Dr. John Ibanga, the Director of BEP Education and a partner of NECO in the United Kingdom, remarked that the new center would provide an alternative pathway for Nigerian students facing challenges within the British education system, particularly those who are unable to secure the General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE).
He stated, “Numerous Nigerian children encounter barriers within the UK educational system that impede their advancement. This new NECO SSCE Center presents a recognized alternative for both young learners and adults aspiring to achieve academic or vocational qualifications.”
During a courtesy visit to the Nigerian High Commission in London, Professor Wushishi briefed the Mission on the establishment and accreditation of the new center, highlighting the United Kingdom's significance as a strategic hub for enhancing educational access for Nigerians abroad.
In response, Ambassador Eche Abu-Obe, the Head of Political Affairs at the Mission, praised NECO's initiative as a “timely and commendable effort,” consistent with Nigeria’s policy on educational inclusivity and diaspora engagement. He affirmed the Mission's commitment to collaborating with NECO to further advance Nigeria’s educational and developmental objectives in the United Kingdom.