Determined to broaden its international footprint, the National Examinations Council (NECO) has inaugurated a new examination centre in London, United Kingdom.
The Registrar and Chief Executive, Prof. Dantani Ibrahim Wushishi, who officially opened the London centre, highlighted that the NECO SSCE Centre at Barnfield Education Ltd (BEP Education) in London marks a strategic effort to enhance educational access for Nigerians living abroad.
Speaking at the “Education Matters Conference UK 2025,” an event organized by NECO to raise awareness among stakeholders about its presence in the UK, Wushishi emphasized that the new centre will provide Nigerian students and adult learners in the UK, who have been unable to complete their secondary education or obtain equivalent credentials, with valuable examination opportunities.
He noted that NECO aims to offer credible and accessible exams to Nigerians overseas, aligning with the federal government’s education policies focused on inclusivity and global outreach.
Since taking office in 2021, the Registrar shared some of NECO’s milestones, underscoring that “our full transition to Computer-Based Examinations (CBE) remains the cornerstone of NECO’s strategy to establish itself as a world-class assessment body.”
Wushishi reiterated NECO’s dedication to serving the Nigerian diaspora and the wider African educational community, revealing that NECO SSCE exams are currently conducted in seven countries, including Saudi Arabia.
“Our international growth is gaining momentum,” he added, “with new centres pending accreditation in Egypt and Burkina Faso, further cementing NECO’s role as a leading African assessment authority.”
He explained that the new NECO SSCE Centre at BEP Education in London brings extensive benefits, such as empowering the diaspora, enhancing national pride and global reputation, and generating economic and social gains through proven educational expertise.
Furthermore, the Registrar disclosed that NECO certificates are recognized by esteemed UK universities like Birmingham City University and Leeds Trinity University, and are accepted worldwide, including in the USA, Canada, India, China, and Russia.
Delivering a goodwill message, the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, praised the establishment of the London centre, noting it aligns perfectly with the Federal Ministry’s commitment to serve every Nigerian child, including those abroad.
He emphasized that the diaspora is not just a community to support but a vital resource to empower, stating, “Every Nigerian student deserves an education that equips them to compete and succeed on a global stage.”
The Minister lauded NECO’s initiative and described BEP Education’s accreditation as a foundational step in a broader plan to extend NECO’s reach to other key international locations, aiming to transform Nigerian education into a globally respected and accessible brand.
Dr. John Ibanga, Director of Barnfield Education Ltd and NECO’s UK partner, explained that the conference served to officially launch NECO’s presence in the UK and increase awareness of the new examination centre in London.
He highlighted that many Nigerian students in the UK face challenges in the British education system, particularly those unable to meet GCSE requirements, which limits their academic progress and exposes them to social risks.
According to Dr. Ibanga, the NECO SSCE Centre offers an alternative route by providing these students with recognized qualifications to pursue further education or vocational training.
He confirmed that NECO certificates are already accepted by several UK universities, benefiting both young learners and adults seeking academic or career advancement.
Other conference participants commended NECO’s initiative and pledged to promote awareness and support for the NECO SSCE CBE Centre among Nigerians in the UK.
In a related development, Prof. Wushishi led a NECO delegation on a courtesy visit to the Nigerian High Commission in London to brief them about the new examination centre’s establishment and accreditation.
He reiterated that NECO operates similar centres across Africa and in Saudi Arabia, and emphasized that the UK’s sizable Nigerian community makes it an ideal location to extend educational access for Nigerians overseas.
The Registrar revealed that NECO had thoroughly evaluated and accredited a UK-based educational institution to serve as an authorized centre for its examinations.
This move aligns with the federal government’s policy to expand quality education access for Nigerians abroad through Computer-Based Examination models.
Expressing gratitude for the Mission’s support, Wushishi noted that NECO maintains official communication channels with Nigerian Embassies and High Commissions in countries where it operates to coordinate exam activities and public outreach.
Responding on behalf of the Nigerian High Commission, Ambassador Eche Abu-Obe praised NECO’s initiative as a timely and commendable effort that reflects Nigeria’s policy on educational inclusivity and diaspora engagement.
He assured the NECO delegation that the Mission would collaborate closely with NECO to advance Nigeria’s educational and developmental goals within the UK.
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