The National Examinations Council (NECO) on Thursday honoured outstanding staff, schools and candidates at its 2024 Staff Productivity Awards, held at the Council’s headquarters in Minna.
The event drew stakeholders from across Nigeria’s education sector and, according to NECO, was designed “to engender trust and confidence in all categories of workers, schools and candidates.” It also symbolises the belief that excellence strengthens public confidence in the country’s examination system, thereby supporting national development and social mobility.
Staff, Pupils and Schools Recognised
Top honours went to Kogi State Coordinator Mr. Thadeus Ajagbu, who was named Best Coordinator in the country, while Mr. Ola A. Kareem emerged Best Driver of the Year 2024.
In the National Common Entrance Examination, Master Balogun Farian Ajibola and Miss Iyasei Ifeanyichukwu Victory came out best overall.
For the National Gifted Examination, Mr. Udo Jacob Chimmremeze Godslove Samuel of Diamond Special Schools, Owerri, and Miss Okpala Chukwugozirin Kamtochukwu of Primary School, Nnewi, were adjudged best candidates.
In the Basic Education Certificate Examination, Master Charles Bryan Uzoma and Miss Awanbor Omoriyekmwen Claire of Igbinedion Education Centre, Benin City, topped their categories.
Registrar Underscores Culture of Excellence
Speaking at the presentation, NECO Registrar and Chief Executive Officer, Professor Dantani Ibrahim Wushishi, said the award scheme was created to spur staff and students to remain committed to duty and learning.
“This ceremony is not merely about recognising performance; it is about embedding a culture of discipline, continuous improvement, teamwork, and ethical service in staff and students,” Wushishi said.
He added that the initiative would help staff and students internalise the principle that, despite challenges, excellence is achievable and should be expected “in all aspects of their lives,” before urging staff to renew their commitment to excellence.
Achievements Under Wushishi
Prof. Wushishi also highlighted NECO’s achievements over the past three years, including:
- Successful conduct and release of all internal examinations and results.
- Transparent staff promotion exercises.
- Development of ICT software to enhance fairness.
- Training of staff and acquisition of PS-900 series components for OMR scanning machines.
- Procurement of all-in-one computer systems for the 36 states, Abuja and zonal offices.
- Purchase of an e-Granary database to give subject officers access to e-resources.
He commended stakeholders for their contributions to the successful conduct of the Council’s examinations nationwide.
Commendation from Niger Assembly Speaker
In his remarks, Speaker of the Niger State House of Assembly, Alhaji Abdulmalik Sarkin-Daji, praised the NECO boss for his leadership qualities.
He applauded the Registrar for his “sagacity, perseverance and credibility for effective performance in NECO, which has led to quality and high integrity for the organisation.”
With Thursday’s ceremony, NECO reaffirmed its message that recognising diligence is not just a celebration but a strategic investment in discipline, trust and the future of Nigeria’s education system.
Beyond the Applause: A Call for transparency
Yet, beyond the applause and the plaques, one question lingers quietly among observers: by what precise yardstick are these honours measured? NECO speaks of “hard work,” “dedication” and “excellence,” but the Council has not publicly detailed the metrics it uses to select winners. For many, this mystery does not diminish the celebration; rather, it underscores a broader call for transparency and standardised criteria in recognising achievement across Nigeria’s education system.