The National Examinations Council (NECO) has established a new examination centre in London, United Kingdom, as part of efforts to extend credible educational assessment opportunities to Nigerians living abroad.
NECO’s Registrar and Chief Executive, Prof. Dantani Ibrahim Wushishi, unveiled the centre during the 2025 Education Matters Conference UK.
The initiative, developed in partnership with Barnfield Education Limited, aims to support Nigerian students and adult learners in the UK who have not completed their secondary education or obtained equivalent qualifications.
In a statement by NECO’s Acting Director of Information and Public Relations, Azeez Sani, Prof. Wushishi said the move aligns with the Federal Government’s policy on inclusivity and global engagement. “Our objective is to provide credible and accessible examination opportunities for Nigerians residing abroad,” he said.
He described the London Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) centre as a major step in NECO’s international expansion. The council now conducts examinations in seven countries, including Saudi Arabia, and plans to open new centres in Egypt and Burkina Faso.
According to Wushishi, the London centre will empower Nigerians abroad, promote national pride, and strengthen the global recognition of NECO certificates — already accepted by several UK universities such as Birmingham City University and Leeds Trinity University, as well as institutions in the US, Canada, India, China, and Russia.
Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, commended NECO for the initiative, describing it as a vital step to ensure “no Nigerian child, at home or abroad, is left behind.” He said it aligns with the ministry’s goal of leveraging the diaspora as a key educational asset.
The Director of BEP Education and NECO’s UK partner, Dr. John Ibanga, noted that the new centre provides an alternative pathway for Nigerian students facing difficulties in the British education system, particularly those unable to obtain the General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE).
“This centre offers a recognised alternative for young learners and adults seeking academic or vocational advancement,” he said.
During a visit to the Nigerian High Commission in London, Prof. Wushishi briefed officials on the centre’s establishment and accreditation. The Head of Political Affairs at the Mission, Ambassador Eche Abu-Obe, hailed the move as a “timely and commendable effort” that reflects Nigeria’s commitment to educational inclusivity and diaspora engagement.
He assured that the Mission would continue collaborating with NECO to advance Nigeria’s educational and developmental goals in the UK.
