NECO Opens London Exam Centre for Nigerians in Diaspora

The National Examinations Council (NECO) has launched a new examination centre in London, United Kingdom, as part of efforts to expand its global reach and provide credible assessment opportunities for Nigerians living abroad.

The centre was unveiled during the Education Matters Conference UK 2025 by NECO’s Registrar and Chief Executive, Prof. Dantani Ibrahim Wushishi. The initiative, developed in partnership with Barnfield Education Ltd, aims to cater to Nigerian students and adult learners in the UK who have been unable to complete secondary education or obtain equivalent qualifications.

“Our objective is to provide credible and accessible examination opportunities for Nigerians residing abroad, in line with the Federal Government’s policy on inclusivity and global engagement,” Wushishi said in a statement issued on Sunday by NECO’s Acting Director of Information and Public Relations, Azeez Sani.

Wushishi described the new Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) centre as a strategic step toward extending NECO’s international presence. According to him, the Council now conducts examinations in seven countries, including Saudi Arabia, with new centres awaiting accreditation in Egypt and Burkina Faso.

He added that the London centre would empower Nigerians in the diaspora, promote national pride, and enhance global recognition of NECO certificates which are already accepted by several universities in the UK, United States, Canada, India, China, and Russia.

In a goodwill message, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, commended NECO for the initiative, describing it as a key step toward ensuring that “no Nigerian child, at home or abroad, is left behind.” He said the move aligns with the Ministry’s goal of leveraging the Nigerian diaspora as a vital educational resource.

Also speaking, the Director of BEP Education and NECO’s UK partner, Dr. John Ibanga, said the centre would serve as an alternative pathway for Nigerian students in the UK who face challenges within the British education system, particularly those unable to obtain the General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE).

“Many Nigerian children encounter barriers in the UK system that limit their academic progression. This new NECO SSCE Centre provides a recognised alternative for young learners and adults seeking academic or vocational advancement,” he said.

During a courtesy visit to the Nigerian High Commission in London, Prof. Wushishi briefed the Mission on the establishment and accreditation of the new centre, noting that the UK remains a strategic hub for expanding educational access to Nigerians abroad.

Responding, the Head of Political Affairs at the Mission, Ambassador Eche Abu-Obe, lauded the development as a “timely and commendable effort” in line with Nigeria’s policy on educational inclusivity and diaspora engagement.

“The Mission will collaborate with NECO to advance Nigeria’s educational and developmental objectives in the United Kingdom,” Abu-Obe assured.