The National Examinations Council (NECO) has announced the establishment of a new examination centre in London, United Kingdom, as part of its ongoing global expansion aimed at offering credible assessment opportunities to Nigerians in the diaspora.
The centre was unveiled by NECO’s Registrar and Chief Executive, Prof. Dantani Ibrahim Wushishi, during the Education Matters Conference UK 2025. According to him, the initiative, launched in partnership with Barnfield Education Ltd, was created to serve Nigerian students and adult learners in the UK who have been unable to complete their secondary education or obtain equivalent qualifications.
“Our goal is to make reliable and accessible examinations available to Nigerians abroad, in line with the Federal Government’s policy on inclusivity and global educational engagement,” Wushishi stated in a release signed by NECO’s Acting Director of Information and Public Relations, Azeez Sani. He added that the establishment of the new Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) centre marks another strategic step in NECO’s global expansion, noting that the Council currently operates in seven countries, including Saudi Arabia, with plans to open additional centres in Egypt and Burkina Faso.
Wushishi further emphasized that the London centre would empower Nigerians overseas, promote national pride, and boost international recognition of NECO certificates — which 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.
Delivering a goodwill message, Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, commended NECO for the initiative, describing it as a vital move to ensure that “no Nigerian child, at home or abroad, is left behind.” He noted that the effort aligns with the Ministry’s broader goal of leveraging the Nigerian diaspora as a key educational and developmental resource.
Also speaking, Dr. John Ibanga, Director of BEP Education and NECO’s UK partner, explained that the new centre would provide an alternative academic pathway for Nigerian students facing challenges within the British educational system, particularly those unable to obtain the General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE). “Many Nigerian learners in the UK encounter barriers that hinder their academic progression. This new NECO SSCE Centre offers a recognised alternative for both young students and adults pursuing academic or vocational advancement,” he said.
During a courtesy visit to the Nigerian High Commission in London, Prof. Wushishi briefed officials on the establishment and accreditation of the new centre, reaffirming the UK’s role as a strategic hub for expanding educational access to Nigerians abroad.
Responding, Ambassador Eche Abu-Obe, Head of Political Affairs at the Mission, described NECO’s move as a “timely and commendable effort” that aligns with Nigeria’s commitment to educational inclusivity and diaspora engagement. He assured that the Mission would collaborate with NECO to further Nigeria’s educational and developmental goals in the UK.
