The National Examinations Council (NECO) has inaugurated its first examination centre in London, United Kingdom, marking a significant milestone in its global expansion and its efforts to make Nigerian education accessible to citizens abroad.
At the “Education Matters Conference UK 2025” in London, the Registrar and Chief Executive of NECO, Prof. Dantani Ibrahim Wushishi, described the new Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) Centre—established in partnership with Barnfield Education Ltd (BEP Education)—as a strategic initiative to extend credible Nigerian examinations beyond national borders.
Prof. Wushishi, according to a statement by Azeez Sani, Acting Director of Information and Public Relations, said the centre would provide opportunities for Nigerian students and adult learners in the UK who have been unable to complete secondary education or secure equivalent qualifications.
“Our objective is to provide credible and accessible examination opportunities for Nigerians residing abroad in line with the Federal Government’s education policy on inclusivity and global engagement,” he explained.
Highlighting NECO’s ongoing reforms, Wushishi reiterated the Council’s commitment to migrating fully to Computer-Based Examinations (CBE), describing it as “the single most critical strategic objective for NECO’s future and its standing as a world-class assessment body.” He noted that NECO examinations are currently conducted in seven countries, including Saudi Arabia, with new centres awaiting accreditation in Egypt and Burkina Faso.
According to him, the London centre will deliver “far-reaching benefits” such as empowering the diaspora, boosting national pride, improving global recognition, and generating economic and social value. He added that NECO certificates are already accepted by leading universities in the UK, including Birmingham City University and Leeds Trinity University, as well as institutions in the United States, Canada, India, China, and Russia.
In his goodwill message, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, commended NECO for the achievement, saying it aligns with the Ministry’s goal to ensure that every Nigerian child, at home or abroad, has access to quality education.
“The establishment of the NECO SSCE Centre in London is a crucial step in serving our diaspora community. The Federal Ministry of Education sees the diaspora not just as a community to serve but as a resource to be empowered,” the Minister said.
“Every Nigerian student deserves an education that enables them to compete and thrive globally,” he added.
Dr. Alausa further explained that accrediting BEP Education represents the beginning of a broader plan to expand NECO’s reach into other global regions, strengthening Nigeria’s educational reputation internationally.
Also speaking, Dr. John Ibanga, Director of Barnfield Education Ltd (BEP Education) and NECO’s UK partner, said the new centre provides a crucial alternative for Nigerian students facing barriers in the British education system, particularly those unable to obtain General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) qualifications.
“Many Nigerian children encounter barriers in the UK system that limit their educational progression. This new NECO SSCE Centre provides a recognized alternative pathway for both young learners and adults seeking academic or vocational advancement,” he explained.
Other speakers at the conference applauded NECO for the move and pledged to rally the Nigerian community in the UK to support the new centre.
In a related development, the NECO delegation led by Prof. Wushishi paid a courtesy visit to the Nigerian High Commission in London to brief the Mission on the establishment and accreditation of the centre. Wushishi emphasized that the UK, with its large Nigerian population, is a strategic location for broadening educational access to citizens abroad.
He assured that NECO would continue collaborating with Nigerian missions overseas to coordinate examination activities and raise public awareness. Responding on behalf of the High Commission, the Head of Political Affairs, Ambassador Eche Abu-Obe, praised NECO for “a timely and commendable effort consistent with Nigeria’s policy on educational inclusivity and diaspora engagement.”
“The Mission will collaborate with NECO to advance Nigeria’s educational and developmental objectives in the United Kingdom,” Abu-Obe affirmed.
