The National Examinations Council (NECO) has announced the establishment of a new examination centre in London, United Kingdom, marking a significant milestone in its ongoing global expansion initiative aimed at providing credible and accessible assessment opportunities for Nigerians living abroad.
The centre, which was formally unveiled during the Education Matters Conference UK 2025, represents a major step in NECO’s mission to extend its services beyond Nigeria’s borders and to cater to the educational needs of the Nigerian diaspora.
Speaking at the event, NECO’s Registrar and Chief Executive Officer, Professor Dantani Ibrahim Wushishi, explained that the London examination centre was created through a strategic partnership between NECO and Barnfield Education Ltd, a UK-based education provider. According to him, the collaboration is designed to make it possible for Nigerian students and adult learners residing in the UK many of whom have been unable to complete their secondary education or obtain equivalent qualifications to access standardized examinations that are recognized by Nigerian institutions and beyond.
Professor Wushishi noted that the initiative is a direct response to the Federal Government’s education policy on inclusivity, accessibility, and global engagement. He emphasized that NECO’s goal is not only to maintain the integrity and credibility of its assessments but also to ensure that Nigerians, regardless of their geographical location, are not deprived of opportunities for educational advancement.
“Our objective is to create a reliable and inclusive system that caters to Nigerians wherever they are,” Wushishi said in a statement issued on Sunday by NECO’s Acting Director of Information and Public Relations, Azeez Sani. “This move aligns with the government’s broader commitment to leveraging the Nigerian diaspora as a vital educational and developmental resource.”
The statement further highlighted remarks from Dr. John Ibanga, Director of BEP Education and NECO’s official partner in the United Kingdom. Dr. Ibanga observed that the establishment of the London centre would provide an alternative academic pathway for Nigerian students in the UK, particularly those who experience barriers within the British education system or who are unable to obtain the General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE).
“Many Nigerian children and young adults encounter obstacles in the UK education system that limit their academic progression,” Ibanga explained. “The new NECO Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) Centre offers a credible and officially recognized alternative for both young learners and adults seeking to continue their studies or pursue vocational qualifications.”
As part of the launch activities, Professor Wushishi paid a courtesy visit to the Nigerian High Commission in London, where he briefed the diplomatic mission on the establishment, accreditation, and intended operation of the new centre. He emphasized that the United Kingdom remains a strategic location for NECO’s expansion due to the country’s large Nigerian population and its central role as a global educational hub.
In his response, Ambassador Eche Abu-Obe, Head of Political Affairs at the Nigerian High Commission, commended NECO for what he described as a timely and visionary initiative. He stated that the creation of the examination centre in London was fully consistent with Nigeria’s national policy on educational inclusivity and diaspora engagement.
“The Nigerian Mission in the UK welcomes this development and recognizes its importance in advancing Nigeria’s educational and developmental objectives,” Abu-Obe said. “We look forward to collaborating closely with NECO to ensure that Nigerians in the United Kingdom can continue to access quality education and meaningful assessment opportunities.”
With this new initiative, NECO joins the growing list of Nigerian institutions expanding their reach to serve the country’s diaspora community, reinforcing the government’s vision of promoting education as a global instrument for empowerment, national development, and cultural connection.