The National Examinations Council (NECO) has celebrated 25 years of operations, having examined over 35 million candidates since its establishment in 1999. The milestone was marked at a silver jubilee event in Abuja, attended by Vice President Kashim Shettima, Minister of Education Dr. Tunji Alausa, and other dignitaries.
A Journey of Persistence and Transformation
NECO was created by the Federal Government to address concerns about examination access and credibility. Overcoming initial skepticism and operational difficulties, the council now conducts examinations in eight countries, including Benin Republic, Togo, Niger Republic, Equatorial Guinea, Côte d'Ivoire, Saudi Arabia, United Kingdom, and Gabon. It administers the Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE), Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE), and National Common Entrance Examination.
Leadership and Reforms
Under Registrar Prof. Ibrahim Dantani Wushishi, who assumed office in 2021, NECO has modernized examination administration through digital technology, biometric verification, and improved supervision. These measures have reduced examination malpractice and enhanced transparency. The timely release of results has also improved, easing admission processes for candidates.
Wushishi emphasized the council's growth from limited public trust to international recognition, attributing progress to transparent procedures, online registration, and internet-based result release. Infrastructure developments include offices in 10 states, a standard science laboratory, operational vehicles, and digital platforms like NECO e-verify, e-library, and data analysis studio.
Support from Stakeholders
Vice President Shettima urged NECO to deepen integrity and security in examinations, calling for transparent and timely results. He encouraged leveraging technology and partnerships to drive innovation, especially with artificial intelligence. Minister Alausa noted that NECO reduced examination malpractice by 90 percent through deliberate reforms. He announced the phased introduction of Computer-Based Examinations (CBE) starting later this year, with full migration by 2027.
Past Contributions and Future Outlook
The council's achievements build on foundations laid by previous registrars, including Emeritus Professor Dibu Ojerinde, Prof. Promise Okpala, Prof. Monday Joshua, Prof. Charles Uwakwe, Abubakar Gana, Prof. Godswill Obioma, and Ebikibina Ogborodi. A book titled 'Twenty-Five Years of NECO: Evolution, Challenges and Contributions to Nigeria's Educational Assessment System' was unveiled, and a lecture by Emeritus Prof. Pius Augustine Ike Obanya highlighted innovations and opportunities for Africa.
As NECO looks ahead, sustaining public trust will depend on maintaining integrity, improving service delivery, and adapting to global trends in educational assessment. Education experts emphasize the need for continued investment in technology and collaboration to meet the aspirations of millions of Nigerian students.
