The National Examinations Council has launched its first examination centre in the United Kingdom, extending access to Nigerian qualifications for students in the diaspora.
The Senior School Certificate Examination Centre, unveiled during the Education Matters Conference UK 2025 in London, represents a partnership between NECO and Barnfield Education Ltd.
Prof. Dantani Ibrahim Wushishi, Registrar and Chief Executive of NECO, said the initiative targets Nigerian students and adult learners in Britain who 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,” he said.
The NECO boss reaffirmed the Council’s commitment to migrating fully to Computer-Based Examinations, describing it as “the single most critical strategic objective for NECO’s future and its standing as a world-class assessment body.”
He disclosed that NECO examinations now operate in seven countries, including Saudi Arabia, with new centres awaiting accreditation in Egypt and Burkina Faso.
According to him, the London centre will empower the diaspora, strengthen national pride, enhance global recognition, and create economic and social benefits.
Prof. Wushishi noted that NECO certificates enjoy recognition at several prestigious institutions in the United Kingdom, including Birmingham City University and Leeds Trinity University, as well as universities in the United States, Canada, India, China, and Russia.
The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, praised NECO for the initiative, saying it aligns with the Ministry’s vision to ensure no Nigerian child, at home or abroad, is left behind.
“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 that the accreditation of BEP Education marks the beginning of a broader strategy to expand NECO’s reach to other strategic global locations, thereby strengthening Nigeria’s education brand internationally.
Dr. John Ibanga, Director of Barnfield Education Ltd and NECO’s UK partner, said the new centre provides a vital alternative for Nigerian students in the UK who face challenges within the British education system, particularly those unable to secure General Certificate of Secondary Education qualifications.
“Many Nigerian children encounter barriers in the UK system that limit their educational progression. This new NECO SSCE Centre provides a recognised alternative pathway for both young learners and adults seeking academic or vocational advancement,” he explained.
Other speakers at the conference praised NECO for the initiative and pledged to mobilise the Nigerian community in the UK to support the new centre.
The NECO delegation led by Prof. Wushishi paid a courtesy visit to the Nigerian High Commission in London to formally brief the Mission on the establishment and accreditation of the examination centre.
Wushishi emphasised that the UK, being home to a large Nigerian population, represents a strategic location for expanding access to education for Nigerians abroad. He assured that NECO would continue collaborating with Nigerian missions overseas to coordinate examination activities and public sensitisation efforts.
Responding on behalf of the High Commission, the Head of Political Affairs, Ambassador Eche Abu-Obe, commended NECO for what he described as “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.
