NECO Launches Examination Centre in UK to Support Nigerians in Diaspora

The National Examinations Council (NECO) has launched a new examination centre in London, United Kingdom, as part of its global expansion efforts to provide credible and accessible assessment opportunities for Nigerians living abroad.

The initiative, unveiled during the Education Matters Conference UK 2025, was developed in partnership with Barnfield Education Ltd. NECO’s Registrar and Chief Executive, Prof. Dantani Ibrahim Wushishi, said the move would enable Nigerian students and adult learners in the UK who were unable to complete their secondary education to 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,” Wushishi said in a statement issued on Sunday by NECO’s Acting Director of Information and Public Relations, Azeez Sani.

Prof. Wushishi described the London Senior School Certificate Examination Centre as a strategic milestone in NECO’s global outreach, noting that the Council now administers examinations in seven countries, including Saudi Arabia, with new centres awaiting approval in Egypt and Burkina Faso.

He explained that the new centre would empower Nigerians abroad, enhance national pride, and strengthen the global recognition of NECO certificates.

“Our certificates are already accepted by several UK universities such as Birmingham City University and Leeds Trinity University, as well as institutions in the United States, Canada, India, China, and Russia,” he added.

The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, in a goodwill message, hailed NECO’s initiative as a significant contribution to national educational inclusivity.

“This is a crucial step toward ensuring that no Nigerian child, at home or abroad, is left behind,” Alausa said.

The Director of BEP Education and NECO’s UK partner, Dr. John Ibanga, described the new centre as an alternative pathway for Nigerian students who face challenges integrating into the British education system.

“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,” he 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, reaffirming that the UK remains a key hub in NECO’s strategy to expand educational access to Nigerians abroad.

The Head of Political Affairs at the Mission, Ambassador Eche Abu-Obe, commended 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 affirmed.

With this expansion, NECO continues to position itself as a globally trusted examination body, bridging educational opportunities for Nigerians across continents while strengthening national ties through education.