In a bid to extend its global reach, the National Examinations Council (NECO) has established a new examination centre in London, United Kingdom, its first in the country.
The centre, launched in partnership with Barnfield Education, London, was inaugurated by NECO’s Registrar and Chief Executive, Prof. Ibrahim Wushishi, who described the development as a strategic milestone in expanding educational access for Nigerians in the diaspora.
“The establishment of the NECO SSCE Centre at Barnfield Education, London, signifies a major step towards providing more opportunities for Nigerians abroad to complete their secondary education and earn recognised qualifications,” Wushishi said.
A statement issued on Sunday by NECO’s Acting Head of Public Relations, Azeez Sani, noted that the registrar delivered a keynote address at the Education Matters Conference UK 2025, an event organised to introduce NECO’s presence in the United Kingdom and engage stakeholders in the education sector.
Wushishi explained that the initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s inclusive education policy and reflects NECO’s vision of ensuring that Nigerians everywhere have access to credible assessment platforms.
He disclosed that NECO currently conducts its Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) in seven countries, including Saudi Arabia, and that accreditation is underway for new centres in Egypt and Burkina Faso.
“Our global expansion is gathering momentum,” Wushishi stated. “We are working towards establishing fully accredited centres in Egypt and Burkina Faso, further strengthening NECO’s role as a leading African examination body.”
Highlighting his administration’s achievements since assuming office in 2021, the registrar reiterated NECO’s commitment to transitioning fully to Computer-Based Examinations, describing it as the council’s “most critical strategic goal” for modernising assessment delivery.
He added that the London centre would not only empower the Nigerian diaspora but also enhance national pride and boost international recognition of Nigeria’s education standards.
According to him, NECO certificates are already recognised by major UK universities such as Birmingham City University and Leeds Trinity University, and are accepted globally in countries including the United States, Canada, India, China, and Russia.
In his goodwill message, the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, lauded the initiative, noting that the establishment of the London centre complements the ministry’s commitment to inclusive education for all Nigerians, both at home and abroad.
“The Federal Ministry of Education considers the diaspora community not only as a group to serve but as a valuable resource to develop,” Alausa said. “This project ensures that every Nigerian student, regardless of location, has access to quality education that prepares them to thrive globally.”
He described the partnership with Barnfield Education as “a significant step towards positioning NECO as a globally respected examination body.”
Speaking at the event, Dr John Ibanga, Director of Barnfield Education Ltd (BEP Education), NECO’s UK-based partner said the centre was established to address the challenges faced by many Nigerian students in the UK, particularly those unable to meet the requirements for the British General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE).
“The NECO SSCE Centre in London provides an alternative route for Nigerian learners and adult students who need recognised qualifications for further studies or career advancement,” Ibanga explained.
He noted that the initiative would help combat educational disengagement among Nigerian youths in the UK while offering pathways for academic and vocational progress.
Other speakers at the conference praised NECO’s efforts and pledged support in promoting awareness of the new computer-based examination centre within the Nigerian community in the United Kingdom.
NECO’s international operations already span several African countries, including Niger Republic, Equatorial Guinea, Benin Republic, Togo, Côte d’Ivoire, and Saudi Arabia. Its first external SSCE centre was established at the UNHCR School in Diffa, Niger Republic.
The accreditation of new centres involves a rigorous evaluation process that assesses infrastructure such as classrooms, laboratories, libraries, workshops, and examination halls to ensure compliance with NECO’s standards.
With the launch of the London centre, NECO aims to provide credible examination opportunities to Nigerians across the globe and strengthen Africa’s educational footprint on the world stage, reinforcing its commitment to accessible, standardised, and globally recognised education.
