NECO Establishes First Examination Centre in the UK for Nigerians Abroad
The National Examinations Council (NECO) has taken a bold step in its global expansion drive by establishing a new examination centre in London, United Kingdom.
The move aims to give Nigerians in the diaspora, especially students and adult learners, credible and accessible opportunities to complete their secondary education or obtain equivalent qualifications.
Unveiled during the Education Matters Conference UK 2025, NECO’s Registrar and Chief Executive, Prof. Dantani Ibrahim Wushishi, said the initiative, developed in partnership with Barnfield Education Ltd, aligns with the Federal Government’s policy on inclusivity and global educational engagement.
“Our objective is to provide credible and accessible examination opportunities for Nigerians residing abroad,” Wushishi stated.
He noted that the new Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) centre represents a strategic step in extending NECO’s international presence. With the addition of London, NECO now conducts examinations in seven countries, including Saudi Arabia, while new centres in Egypt and Burkina Faso await accreditation.
According to Wushishi, the London centre will empower Nigerians abroad, foster national pride, and enhance the global recognition of the NECO certificate, already accepted by institutions such as Birmingham City University, Leeds Trinity University, and several universities in the United States, Canada, India, China, and Russia.
In his goodwill message, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, lauded the initiative as a vital step toward ensuring that no Nigerian child, at home or abroad, is left behind. He said the move supports the Ministry’s goal of leveraging the Nigerian diaspora as an educational resource.
Dr. John Ibanga, Director of BEP Education and NECO’s UK partner, emphasized that the centre offers a new path 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 (GCSE).
“Many Nigerian children encounter barriers in the UK system that limit their progression. This NECO SSCE Centre provides a recognised alternative for young learners and adults seeking academic or vocational advancement,” Ibanga explained.
During a courtesy visit to the Nigerian High Commission in London, Prof. Wushishi briefed the Mission on the establishment and accreditation process.
Responding, Ambassador Eche Abu-Obe, Head of Political Affairs, praised NECO’s move as a “timely and commendable effort” consistent with Nigeria’s policy on educational inclusivity and diaspora engagement.
He reaffirmed the Mission’s commitment to collaborating with NECO to advance Nigeria’s educational and developmental objectives in the UK.
This initiative upholds every Nigerian child’s right to education without discrimination, ensuring access to learning and development opportunities regardless of location. By extending educational access beyond national borders, NECO reinforces the principle that every Nigerian child deserves the chance to learn, grow, and succeed, wherever they may be.
