The National Examinations Council (NECO) has established a new Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) centre in London, United Kingdom.
The development marks a major milestone in expanding educational access for Nigerians living abroad.
In a statement on Sunday, NECO’s Acting Director of Information and Public Relations, Azeez Sani, said the new centre would serve Nigerians who could not complete their secondary education or obtain equivalent qualifications while living overseas.
According to him, the initiative is part of NECO’s plan to make credible and accessible examinations available to Nigerians everywhere.
NECO Registrar and Chief Executive, Professor Dantani Wushishi, officially unveiled the London centre during the Education Matters Conference UK 2025.
He said the project, launched in collaboration with Barnfield Education Ltd., aims to bring the Nigerian examination system closer to the diaspora community.
Professor Wushishi described the centre as a strategic move aligned with the Federal Government’s policy on educational inclusivity and global engagement.
“Our mission is to make quality education and assessment accessible to all Nigerians, regardless of location,” Wushishi said.
He added that NECO’s commitment to full migration to Computer-Based Examinations (CBE) remains its most critical goal for the future.
The Registrar also disclosed that NECO’s SSCE is now administered in seven countries, including Saudi Arabia. New centres in Egypt and Burkina Faso are awaiting accreditation.
According to him, the London centre would empower Nigerians abroad, boost national pride, and strengthen Nigeria’s global reputation in education.
The Federal Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, praised the initiative, calling it a bold step toward expanding Nigeria’s educational reach.
“Every Nigerian student deserves an education that enables them to compete and thrive globally,” Alausa said.
He added that accrediting Barnfield Education Ltd. marks the beginning of a broader effort to make NECO examinations globally accessible and respected.
Dr. John Ibanga, Director of BEP Education, explained that the new centre would benefit Nigerian students in the UK who struggle with the British education system, especially those unable to meet GCSE requirements.
He said the NECO SSCE would serve as an alternative route to higher education and professional opportunities for such students.
Meanwhile, Professor Wushishi also led a NECO delegation to the Nigerian High Commission in London, where they briefed officials about the new centre.
Ambassador Eche Abu-Obe, Head of Political Affairs, praised NECO for what he called a “timely and commendable initiative,” adding that it aligns with Nigeria’s commitment to inclusive education and diaspora engagement.
He assured the council of the High Commission’s full cooperation in advancing Nigeria’s educational mission in the United Kingdom.
