NECO Establishes First Examination Centre in London for Nigerians in Diaspora
The National Examinations Council (NECO) has established a new examination centre in London, United Kingdom, as part of its global expansion initiative to provide credible assessment opportunities for Nigerians living abroad.
The Registrar and Chief Executive of NECO, Prof. Dantani Ibrahim Wushishi, announced the development during the Education Matters Conference UK 2025. He explained that the initiative, launched in partnership with Barnfield Education Ltd, aims to serve Nigerian students and adult learners in the UK who 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 stated in a release issued on Sunday by NECO’s Acting Director of Information and Public Relations, Azeez Sani.
He described the London Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) centre as a strategic step in extending NECO’s global footprint, adding that the Council now administers examinations in seven countries, including Saudi Arabia, with new centres awaiting accreditation in Egypt and Burkina Faso.
According to him, the London centre would empower Nigerians abroad, promote national pride, and enhance the international recognition of NECO certificates, which are already accepted by several universities in the United Kingdom, including Birmingham City University and Leeds Trinity University, as well as by institutions in the United States, Canada, India, China, and Russia.
In his goodwill message, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, commended NECO for the initiative, describing it as a crucial step toward ensuring that no Nigerian child, at home or abroad, is left behind. He added that the move aligns with the Ministry’s goal of leveraging the diaspora as a key educational resource.
Also speaking, the Director of BEP Education and NECO’s UK partner, Dr. John Ibanga, said the new centre would provide an alternative pathway for Nigerian students in the UK who face challenges within the British education system, particularly 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 offers a recognised alternative for both young learners and adults seeking academic or vocational advancement,” Ibanga 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. Responding, the Head of Political Affairs at the Mission, Ambassador Eche Abu-Obe, described the initiative as a timely and commendable effort that aligns 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 assured.