The National Examinations Council (NECO) has established a new Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) Centre in London, United Kingdom.
The initiative aims to provide credible and accessible examination opportunities for Nigerians living abroad. It targets those unable to complete their secondary education or obtain equivalent qualifications.
This was contained in a statement issued in Abuja on Sunday by NECO’s Acting Director of Information and Public Relations, Azeez Sani.
Expanding Educational Frontiers
The Registrar and Chief Executive of NECO, Prof. Dantani Wushishi, unveiled the centre during the “Education Matters Conference UK 2025” in London.
He said the project was established in collaboration with Barnfield Education Ltd., London.
“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 stated.
The registrar explained that the London centre represented a strategic expansion to support Nigerians in the diaspora.
“Our commitment to full migration to Computer-Based Examination (CBE) is the single most critical strategic objective for NECO’s future and its standing as a world-class assessment body,” he added.
Wushishi noted that NECO’s SSCE is now conducted in seven countries, including Saudi Arabia. New centres, he said, are awaiting accreditation in Egypt and Burkina Faso.
“The establishment of a NECO SSCE Centre offers far-reaching benefits such as direct empowerment of the diaspora, elevation of national pride and global standing, economic and social dividend, and leveraging proven educational capacity,” he stated.
Global Recognition and Federal Support
The NECO boss said the Council’s certificates are recognised by universities in the United Kingdom, United States, Canada, India, China, and Russia.
He listed Birmingham City University and Leeds Trinity University as institutions that accept NECO results for admission.
In a goodwill message, the Minister of State for Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, praised the Council for the landmark achievement.
“The Federal Ministry of Education views the diaspora not just as a community to serve, but as a resource to be empowered,” Alausa said.
He added: “Every Nigerian student deserves an education that enables them to compete and thrive globally.”
The minister described the accreditation of Barnfield Education Ltd. as the first step in NECO’s broader global strategy. He said it aligns with the government’s vision to make Nigerian education a globally respected brand.
UK Partners and Nigerian Mission Commend Move
The Director of BEP Education, Dr. John Ibanga, said many Nigerian students in the UK face challenges meeting British education standards.
“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,” Ibanga noted.
Prof. Wushishi also led a NECO delegation on a courtesy visit to the Nigerian High Commission in London.
He briefed officials on the establishment of the centre and ongoing partnerships.
Ambassador Eche Abu-Obe, Head of Political Affairs at the High Commission, hailed NECO’s initiative.
“The Mission assures NECO of its full cooperation in advancing Nigeria’s educational and developmental objectives in the United Kingdom,” Abu-Obe said.
A New Chapter for Nigerian Education
The establishment of the London centre marks NECO’s first physical presence in the United Kingdom.
It strengthens Nigeria’s commitment to educational inclusivity and diaspora engagement.
Stakeholders say the initiative will empower thousands of Nigerians abroad and promote national pride through globally recognised education.