In a major step toward global educational integration, the National Examinations Council (NECO) has opened its first examination centre in London, United Kingdom — a strategic move aimed at providing accessible learning opportunities for Nigerians in the diaspora.
The centre, established in partnership with Barnfield Education, London, was officially inaugurated by NECO’s Registrar and Chief Executive, Prof. Ibrahim Wushishi, who described the initiative as a milestone in broadening educational access for Nigerians abroad.
Speaking during the inauguration at the Education Matters Conference UK 2025, organised by NECO, Wushishi said the new centre would cater to Nigerian students and adult learners in the UK who wish to complete their secondary education or obtain equivalent qualifications.
“This marks a new chapter for NECO,” Wushishi stated. “Our goal is to ensure that Nigerians anywhere in the world have access to credible, world-class assessment opportunities.”
According to a statement by NECO’s Acting Head of Public Relations, Azeez Sani, the registrar reaffirmed the council’s commitment to inclusivity and global engagement, disclosing that NECO’s Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) is now conducted in seven countries, including Saudi Arabia.
“Our global expansion is accelerating, with new centres in Egypt and Burkina Faso currently awaiting accreditation,” Wushishi announced, positioning NECO as one of Africa’s leading international assessment bodies.
He added that NECO’s migration to computer-based examinations remains its most strategic objective, enhancing credibility, efficiency, and international recognition.
The registrar further highlighted that NECO certificates are recognised by major UK universities — including Birmingham City University and Leeds Trinity University — and accepted in countries such as the United States, Canada, India, China, and Russia.
In a goodwill message, Nigeria’s Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, lauded the development, describing it as “a bold step toward empowering the Nigerian diaspora and strengthening global confidence in Nigeria’s education system.”
He said, “Every Nigerian child, home or abroad, deserves access to quality education that enables them to thrive globally. NECO’s London centre is a practical demonstration of that vision.”
Dr. John Ibanga, Director of Barnfield Education Ltd and NECO’s UK partner, also commended the initiative, noting that many Nigerian students in the UK face barriers in meeting local examination requirements.
“The NECO SSCE Centre in London provides an alternative route for these students, enabling them to achieve recognised qualifications and continue their education or vocational training,” Ibanga said.
With the London centre now operational, NECO continues to strengthen its international footprint, having previously accredited schools in Niger Republic, Benin Republic, Togo, Côte d’Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea, and Saudi Arabia.
This latest expansion underscores NECO’s mission to make credible Nigerian examinations accessible globally and to enhance Africa’s educational competitiveness on the world stage.
