Introduction to NECO’s New Initiative
The National Examinations Council (NECO) has established a new Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) Centre in London, United Kingdom. This initiative aims to provide credible and accessible examination opportunities for Nigerians living abroad, especially those who have been unable to complete their secondary education or obtain equivalent qualifications.
Objective of the New Centre
According to the acting Director, Information and Public Relations of the council, Azeez Sani, the new centre was established in collaboration with Barnfield Education Ltd., London. The Registrar and Chief Executive of NECO, Prof. Dantani Wushishi, explained that the London centre represents a strategic expansion to support Nigerians in the diaspora, in line with the Federal Government’s education policy on inclusivity and global engagement.
Benefits of the New Centre
Wushishi emphasized that NECO’s mission is to make quality education and assessment accessible to all Nigerians, regardless of location. He stated that the new centre offers far-reaching benefits such as empowering the Nigerian diaspora, elevating national pride, enhancing global standing, and fostering socio-economic gains through education. NECO certificates are widely recognized by prestigious universities such as Birmingham City University and Leads Trinity University in the UK, as well as institutions in the USA, Canada, India, China, and Russia.
Global Expansion of NECO
The establishment of the London centre is part of NECO’s global expansion strategy. Wushishi disclosed that NECO’s SSCE is currently administered in seven countries, including the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, with new centres awaiting accreditation in Egypt and Burkina Faso. He also noted that the council is committed to full migration to Computer-Based Examination (CBE), which is a critical strategic objective for NECO’s future and its standing as a world-class assessment body.
Reaction from the Ministry of Education
The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, commended NECO for the initiative, describing it as aligned with the Ministry’s mandate to ensure educational access for every Nigerian child, including those in the diaspora. He emphasized that every Nigerian student deserves an education that enables them to compete and thrive globally.
Partnership with BEP Education
The Director of BEP Education, Dr. John Ibanga, highlighted that many Nigerian students in the UK face challenges within the British education system, particularly those who struggle to attain required GCSE qualifications. The new NECO SSCE Centre provides an alternative pathway for such students, offering recognized qualifications for further education and career advancement.
Courtesy Visit to the Nigerian High Commission
Wushishi led a NECO delegation on a courtesy visit to the Nigerian High Commission in London, where he briefed officials on the establishment of the examination centre. Responding on behalf of the mission, Ambassador Eche Abu-Obe, Head of Political Affairs, commended NECO for the “timely and commendable initiative,” describing it as consistent with Nigeria’s policy on educational inclusivity and diaspora engagement.
Conclusion
The establishment of the new NECO SSCE Centre in London is a significant step towards providing accessible and recognized education to Nigerians in the diaspora. The initiative is expected to empower the Nigerian diaspora, elevate national pride, and foster socio-economic gains through education. With its global expansion strategy, NECO is poised to become a world-class assessment body, providing quality education and assessment to all Nigerians, regardless of location.
FAQs
- What is the purpose of the new NECO SSCE Centre in London?
The new centre aims to provide credible and accessible examination opportunities for Nigerians living abroad, especially those who have been unable to complete their secondary education or obtain equivalent qualifications. - Which countries currently administer NECO’s SSCE?
NECO’s SSCE is currently administered in seven countries, including the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, with new centres awaiting accreditation in Egypt and Burkina Faso. - What are the benefits of the new centre?
The new centre offers far-reaching benefits such as empowering the Nigerian diaspora, elevating national pride, enhancing global standing, and fostering socio-economic gains through education. - Are NECO certificates recognized by international institutions?
Yes, NECO certificates are widely recognized by prestigious universities such as Birmingham City University and Leads Trinity University in the UK, as well as institutions in the USA, Canada, India, China, and Russia.
Source: nannews.ng
