The National Examinations Council (NECO) has announced the establishment of a new examination centre in London, United Kingdom, as part of its global expansion strategy aimed at offering credible assessment opportunities to Nigerians in the diaspora.

During the unveiling of the centre at the Education Matters Conference UK 2025, NECO’s Registrar and Chief Executive, Prof. Dantani Ibrahim Wushishi, revealed that the project was launched in collaboration with Barnfield Education Ltd.

“The initiative aims to provide opportunities for Nigerian students and adult learners in the UK who, for various reasons, 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,” Wushishi said in a statement issued on Sunday by NECO’s Acting Director of Information and Public Relations, Azeez Sani.

Wushishi described the new Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) centre as a significant move toward broadening NECO’s international reach.

He added that the Council now conducts examinations in seven countries, including Saudi Arabia, with additional centres awaiting accreditation in Egypt and Burkina Faso.

According to him, the London centre will empower Nigerians abroad, promote national pride, and enhance global recognition of NECO certificates already accepted by several universities in the United Kingdom such as Birmingham City University and Leeds Trinity University, as well as institutions in the United States, Canada, India, China, and Russia.

In his goodwill message, Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, commended NECO for the milestone, describing it as an important step toward ensuring that “no Nigerian child, at home or abroad, is left behind.”

He added that the initiative aligns with the Ministry’s commitment to leveraging the Nigerian diaspora as a key educational resource.

The statement also quoted Dr. John Ibanga, Director of BEP Education and NECO’s UK partner, as saying the new centre would serve as an alternative pathway for Nigerian students in the UK who struggle within the British education system, especially those unable to obtain the General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE).

“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 explained.

During a courtesy visit to the Nigerian High Commission in London, the Registrar briefed the Mission on the establishment and accreditation process of the new centre, noting that the UK remains a strategic hub for expanding educational opportunities for Nigerians abroad.

In response, Ambassador Eche Abu-Obe, Head of Political Affairs at the Mission, commended NECO’s move 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.

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