NECO Opens First Overseas Exam Center in the UK

The National Examinations Council (NECO) has launched a new exam center in London, United Kingdom, representing a significant advancement in its global outreach efforts and dedication to educational inclusion for Nigerians living abroad.

During the “Education Matters Conference UK 2025″ in London, the Registrar and Chief Executive of NECO, Prof. Dantani Ibrahim Wushishi, introduced the new Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) Center, created in collaboration with Barnfield Education Ltd (BEP Education), as a strategic initiative to broaden access to reliable Nigerian examinations beyond the nation’s borders.

In a statement released by the Acting Director of Information and Public Relations at NECO, Azeez Sani, Prof. Wushishi stated, “This initiative seeks to provide opportunities for Nigerian students and adult learners in the UK who have not been able to complete their secondary education or attain equivalent qualifications for various reasons.”

“OWe aimto offer trustworthy and accessible examination opportunities for Nigerians living overseas, aligning with the federal government’s educational policies focused on inclusivity and global outreach.”

Emphasizing NECO’s ongoing reforms, Wushishi reiterated the Council’s determination to completely transition to Computer-Based Examinations (CBE), referring to it as “the most crucial strategic goal for NECO’s future and its reputation as a world-class assessment institution.”

He revealed that NECO examinations are now conducted in seven countries, including the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, with new centers pending accreditation in Egypt and Burkina Faso.

He noted that the London center would yield significant advantages, such as empowering the diaspora community, bolstering national pride, enhancing global recognition, and generating economic and social benefits.

Prof. Wushishi also pointed out that NECO certificates are acknowledged by several esteemed institutions in the United Kingdom, such as Birmingham City University and Leeds Trinity University, in addition to universities in the United States, Canada, India, China, and Russia.

In a message of support, the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, praised NECO for this initiative, indicating that it aligns with the ministry’s vision of ensuring that no Nigerian child, whether at home or abroad, is overlooked.

“The establishment of the NECO SSCE Center in London represents an important achievement in serving our diaspora community. The federal ministry of education views the diaspora not only as a group to assist but as a resource to enhance.

“Every Nigerian student deserves an education that empowers them to compete and succeed on a global scale,” the minister remarked.

He further mentioned that the accreditation of BEP Education signified the start of a broader strategy to extend NECO’s influence to other key global locations, thereby reinforcing Nigeria’s educational reputation internationally.

Additionally, Dr John Ibanga, Director of Barnfield Education Ltd (BEP Education) and NECO’s partner in the UK, indicated that the new center offers a crucial alternative for Nigerian students in the UK encountering difficulties within the British educational system, particularly those unable to obtain General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE) qualifications.

“Numerous Nigerian children face obstacles within the UK system that hinder their educational advancement. This new NECO SSCE Center presents a recognized alternative pathway for both younger learners and adults pursuing academic or vocational growth,” he clarified.

Other speakers at the conference commended NECO for its initiative and promised to engage the Nigerian community in the UK to support andutilizee the new center.

In a related matter, the NECO team, headed by Prof. Wushishi, visited the Nigerian High Commission in London to officially update them on the creation and accreditation of the examination center.

Wushishi pointed out that the UK, with its substantial Nigerian population, is a pivotal location for enhancing educational access for Nigerians living abroad.

He pledged that NECO would persist in working with Nigerian missions globally to coordinate exam activities and raise public awareness.

In response on behalf of the High Commission, the Head of Political Affairs, Ambassador Eche Abu-Obe, praised NECO for what he called “a timely and commendable effort in line with Nigeria’s policy on educational inclusivity and engagement with its diaspora,” Abu-Obe remarked.

“The mission will partner with NECO to further Nigeria’s educational and developmental goals in the United Kingdom,” Abu-Obe stated.