The National Examinations Council (NECO) has opened a new examination centre in London, United Kingdom, as part of its global initiative to extend access to credible assessments for Nigerians in the diaspora
The centre, unveiled during the Education Matters Conference UK 2025, was established in partnership with Barnfield Education Ltd. NECO’s Registrar and Chief Executive, Prof. Dantani Ibrahim Wushishi, said the move is designed to help Nigerian students and adult learners in the UK who have been unable to complete secondary education or earn 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,” Wushishi said in a statement issued by NECO’s Acting Director of Information and Public Relations, Azeez Sani.
He described the new Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) centre as a strategic milestone in NECO’s international expansion, noting that the council now conducts examinations in seven countries, including Saudi Arabia, with new centres awaiting accreditation in Egypt and Burkina Faso.
According to Wushishi, the London centre will empower Nigerians abroad, foster national pride, and enhance the global recognition of NECO certificates, which are already accepted by top institutions such as Birmingham City University and Leeds Trinity University in the UK, as well as universities in the United States, Canada, India, China, and Russia.
In his goodwill message, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, commended NECO for the initiative, calling it “a crucial step toward ensuring that no Nigerian child, at home or abroad, is left behind.” He added that the project aligns with the Ministry’s commitment to leveraging the diaspora as a key educational resource.
Dr. John Ibanga, Director of BEP Education and NECO’s UK partner, explained that the new centre provides an alternative pathway for Nigerian students in the UK who face challenges within the British education system, especially those unable to secure the General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE).
“Many Nigerian children encounter barriers in the UK system that hinder their academic progression. This new NECO SSCE Centre offers a recognised and credible alternative for both young learners and adults seeking academic or vocational advancement,” Ibanga said.
During a courtesy visit to the Nigerian High Commission in London, Prof. Wushishi briefed the Mission on the establishment and accreditation of the new centre, emphasizing that the UK remains a vital hub for expanding educational access to Nigerians overseas.
The Head of Political Affairs at the Mission, Ambassador Eche Abu-Obe, lauded NECO’s initiative as “a timely and commendable effort” aligned 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 assured.
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