NECO Opens First Exam Centre in London

By Sulaimon Popoola

The National Examinations Council, NECO, has opened its first examination centre in London, United Kingdom. This was done in partnership with Barnfield Education Ltd (BEP Education).

In a statement signed by Azeez Sani, the Acting Director of Information and Public Relations, NECO said the move is part of its plan to make its exams available to Nigerians living abroad. It also supports the Federal Government’s goal of promoting inclusive and global education.

NECO’s Registrar and Chief Executive, Professor Dantani Ibrahim Wushishi, explained that the new London centre will help Nigerian students and adults in the UK who could not complete their secondary education or earn equivalent qualifications.

According to him, the centre will give them another opportunity to gain recognized certificates that can help them continue their studies or improve their career prospects.

Professor Wushishi added that NECO is working towards becoming a world-class examination body through the use of Computer-Based Examinations, CBE.

He also revealed that NECO exams are now held in seven countries, including Saudi Arabia, and that new centres in Egypt and Burkina Faso are awaiting approval. The London centre, he said, will benefit Nigerians in the diaspora, promote education, and boost national pride.

NECO certificates are recognized internationally by schools such as Birmingham City University and Leeds Trinity University in the UK, as well as universities in the United States, Canada, India, China, and Russia.

The Federal Ministry of Education welcomed the development, describing it as an important step toward ensuring that all Nigerian children, both at home and abroad, have access to quality education. The Ministry said the accreditation of BEP Education is part of efforts to extend NECO’s reach and strengthen confidence in Nigerian education.

Dr. John Ibanga, Director of Barnfield Education Ltd, said the new centre will support Nigerian students in the UK who face challenges in the British school system by offering them an alternative qualification for further education and career growth.

Meanwhile, NECO officials, led by Professor Wushishi, visited the Nigerian High Commission in London to formally announce the accreditation of the new centre. The High Commission praised NECO for the initiative and promised to support its success, describing it as in line with Nigeria’s policy of promoting education and engaging with citizens in the diaspora.