The National Examinations Council b has announced a significant milestone in its history with the official opening of a new international examination centre in London, United Kingdom (UK). This expansion marks the first time the Council will operate a centre in Europe, reflecting NECO’s growing commitment to serving Nigerians around the world.
According to the Council, the establishment of the London centre is part of a broader global expansion strategy aimed at providing credible, accessible, and internationally recognized assessments to Nigerians in the diaspora. The move is expected to make it easier for Nigerian students and adult learners living abroad to take NECO examinations without having to travel back home.
The centre was formally inaugurated during the Education Matters Conference UK 2025, a gathering of educators, policymakers, and stakeholders focused on advancing inclusive education for Africans abroad. NECO’s delegation, led by its Registrar and Chief Executive, Prof. Dantani Ibrahim Wushishi, described the project as “a landmark step towards internationalising Nigerian education standards.”
Expanding Access and Inclusivity for Nigerians Abroad
Speaking at the event, Prof. Wushishi said the decision to open the London centre was driven by the increasing number of Nigerians residing in the UK and across Europe who desire access to a credible secondary education assessment system. He noted that many Nigerians abroad face difficulties in validating their educational qualifications, and the new centre would bridge that gap effectively.
“Our objective is to provide credible and accessible examination opportunities for Nigerians residing abroad,” the Registrar stated. “This initiative is in line with the Federal Government’s commitment to inclusivity and global educational integration.”
He added that NECO’s partnership with Barnfield Education Ltd—a UK-based educational organisation—will ensure smooth operations, transparency, and compliance with global standards. The collaboration will also help streamline registration, examination, and certification processes for students abroad.
According to a statement released by NECO’s Acting Director of Information and Public Relations, Azeez Sani, the new London centre is a major part of the Council’s long-term strategy to strengthen its international presence and provide alternative educational pathways for Nigerians living overseas who wish to continue their education or complete pending qualifications.
NECO’s Growing Global Presence
Prof. Wushishi revealed that NECO currently administers examinations in several countries outside Nigeria, including Saudi Arabia, and has other centres awaiting accreditation in Egypt and Burkina Faso. He emphasized that the opening of the London centre symbolizes NECO’s growing influence and recognition as a respected examination body across continents.
“This expansion is not only about making examinations accessible,” he explained, “but also about projecting the credibility of NECO certificates on the global stage.”
He expressed optimism that with continued support from stakeholders and the Federal Ministry of Education, NECO would soon establish more international centres in North America, Asia, and other regions where Nigerians are making educational strides.
Global Recognition of NECO Certificates
The Registrar further noted that NECO certificates are already gaining substantial recognition from major academic institutions across the world. He disclosed that several UK universities, including Birmingham City University and Leeds Trinity University, now accept NECO results for undergraduate admissions.
Similarly, institutions in the United States, Canada, India, China, and Russia have recognized NECO qualifications as valid credentials for academic enrollment, giving Nigerian students broader international opportunities.
Wushishi stressed that the new London centre will serve as a bridge connecting Nigerian education with global institutions, ensuring that Nigerians abroad can conveniently sit for standardized exams and access the same opportunities as their counterparts at home.
“With this initiative, we are empowering Nigerians abroad to achieve their educational dreams while maintaining national identity and pride,” he said. “The centre also reaffirms NECO’s commitment to supporting lifelong learning, regardless of geographical boundaries.”
Federal Government Commends NECO’s Vision
Reacting to the development, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, praised NECO for taking a major step toward promoting educational inclusivity for Nigerians across the world. He described the initiative as “a forward-thinking move” that aligns perfectly with the Ministry’s vision of leveraging the Nigerian diaspora as a vital part of the country’s educational and developmental growth.
“NECO’s London centre is more than just an exam location—it is a symbol of our nation’s commitment to ensuring that no Nigerian child, at home or abroad, is left behind,” Dr. Alausa said.
He further emphasized that the diaspora represents a vital educational and economic resource that can contribute significantly to national progress. According to him, the government remains committed to supporting institutions like NECO that continue to project Nigeria’s educational standards globally.
With the successful establishment of this international centre, NECO has joined the league of globally relevant examination bodies, positioning Nigeria as an emerging hub for quality education and standardized testing in Africa and beyond.