The National Examinations Council (NECO) has announced the creation of a new examination centre in London, United Kingdom, as part of its global expansion initiative aimed at offering credible assessment opportunities to Nigerians living abroad.
The Registrar and Chief Executive of NECO, Prof. Dantani Ibrahim Wushishi, unveiled the centre during the Education Matters Conference UK 2025, explaining that the initiative was launched in collaboration with Barnfield Education Ltd.
According to a statement released on Sunday by NECO’s Acting Director of Information and Public Relations, Azeez Sani, the registrar stated, “The initiative aims to provide opportunities for Nigerian students and adult learners in the UK who, for various reasons, have been unable to complete secondary education or obtain 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.”
The NECO chief described the establishment of the new Senior School Certificate Examination centre as a strategic move to extend NECO’s global presence, adding that the Council currently conducts examinations in seven countries, including Saudi Arabia, with additional centres awaiting approval in Egypt and Burkina Faso.
Wushishi explained that the London centre would empower Nigerians living overseas, promote national pride, and enhance the global recognition of NECO certificates. He noted that these certificates are already accepted by several universities in the United Kingdom, including Birmingham City University and Leeds Trinity University, as well as institutions in the United States, Canada, India, China, and Russia.
The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, commended NECO for the initiative, describing it as a vital step towards ensuring that “no Nigerian child, at home or abroad, is left behind.”
Alausa added that the project aligns with the Federal Ministry of Education’s commitment to using the Nigerian diaspora as a valuable educational resource.
The statement further mentioned that the Director of BEP Education and NECO’s UK partner, Dr John Ibanga, said the new centre would provide an alternative route for Nigerian students in the UK who face challenges within the British education system, particularly those unable to secure the General Certificate of Secondary Education.
Ibanga said, “Many Nigerian children encounter barriers in the UK system that limit their progression.
“This new NECO SSCE Centre provides a recognised alternative for both young learners and adults seeking academic or vocational advancement.”
During a courtesy visit to the Nigerian High Commission in London, the statement noted that the registrar briefed the mission about the establishment and accreditation of the new centre, stressing that the UK remains a key location for expanding educational access for Nigerians abroad.
In response, the Head of Political Affairs at the Mission, Ambassador Eche Abu-Obe, praised NECO’s initiative as a “timely and commendable effort” in line with Nigeria’s policy on educational inclusivity and diaspora engagement.
Abu-Obe added, “The mission will collaborate with NECO to advance Nigeria’s educational and developmental objectives in the United Kingdom.”
