The National Examinations Council (Neco) has established a new SSCE centre in London, marking a major step in its digital transformation and global expansion to improve educational access for Nigerians abroad.
The National Examinations Council (NECO) has officially established a new Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) Centre in London, United Kingdom, as part of its strategic global expansion to support Nigerians living abroad. According to a statement from NECO’s acting Director of Information and Public Relations, Azeez Sani, the London centre was unveiled by the Council’s Registrar and Chief Executive, Prof. Dantani Wushishi, during the “Education Matters Conference UK 2025.” The initiative aims to provide credible and accessible examination opportunities for Nigerian students and adult learners in the UK who have been unable to complete their secondary education or obtain equivalent qualifications.
This development represents a key milestone in NECO’s broader agenda to enhance educational access for the Nigerian diaspora. The London centre, established in partnership with Barnfield Education Ltd (BEP Education), follows NECO’s existing operations in seven countries, including Saudi Arabia, and with new centres awaiting accreditation in Egypt and Burkina Faso. Prof. Wushishi emphasised the centre’s role in empowering Nigerians abroad, boosting national pride, and improving Nigeria’s educational standing on the global stage.
A focal point of NECO’s forward-looking strategy is its commitment to fully migrating to Computer-Based Examination (CBE) formats. Prof. Wushishi described this transition as the “single most critical strategic objective” for positioning NECO as a world-class assessment body. This phased shift aligns closely with the Nigerian Federal Government’s education policy on inclusivity and global engagement, which also envisions all school-based SSCEs being conducted via computer-based testing by 2026. The Ministry of Education, through Minister Dr. Tunji Alausa, commended NECO for aligning with this vision, underscoring the importance of ensuring every Nigerian child, at home or in the diaspora, has access to quality education.
The London centre offers a vital alternative pathway, particularly for Nigerian students who face challenges within the British education system, including difficulties in obtaining required GCSE qualifications. Dr. John Ibanga, Director of Barnfield Education Ltd, pointed out that the new NECO SSCE Centre directly addresses these challenges by providing recognised Nigerian qualifications that facilitate further education and career progression. The NECO certificates are acknowledged by reputable universities such as Birmingham City University and Leeds Trinity University in the UK, and prestigious institutions worldwide including those in the USA, Canada, India, China, and Russia.
In a gesture highlighting the importance of official cooperation and transparency, Prof. Wushishi led a NECO delegation to the Nigerian High Commission in London. There, they briefed mission officials on the new examination centre. Ambassador Eche Abu-Obe, Head of Political Affairs at the High Commission, praised NECO’s initiative as timely and consistent with Nigeria’s educational inclusivity policies and diaspora engagement strategies. The Nigerian High Commission pledged full cooperation to support the educational and developmental objectives of NECO in the UK.
The establishment of this examination centre complements NECO’s ongoing technological advancements, such as acquiring high-speed scanners for efficient exam processing and setting stringent requirements for future CBE centres in Nigeria and abroad. This full migration to computer-based testing, set to begin with the November/December 2025 SSCE External, aims to enhance the efficiency, credibility, and security of examinations — addressing challenges historically associated with paper-based formats.
Ultimately, NECO’s London SSCE Centre exemplifies a significant step in positioning Nigerian education as a universally respected brand, broadening opportunities for Nigerians worldwide while fostering socio-economic development through improved access to education.
📌 Reference Map:
- Paragraph 1 – [1] (Real News Magazine), [2] (Abuja Inquirer), [3] (Vanguard)
- Paragraph 2 – [1] (Real News Magazine), [2] (Abuja Inquirer), [3] (Vanguard)
- Paragraph 3 – [1] (Real News Magazine), [4] (OgunSpeaks), [6] (The Street Journal), [7] (Punch)
- Paragraph 4 – [1] (Real News Magazine), [2] (Abuja Inquirer), [3] (Vanguard)
- Paragraph 5 – [1] (Real News Magazine), [3] (Vanguard), [2] (Abuja Inquirer)
- Paragraph 6 – [1] (Real News Magazine)
- Paragraph 7 – [5] (NewsVerge), [6] (The Street Journal), [7] (Punch)
Source: Noah Wire Services
Noah Fact Check Pro
The draft above was created using the information available at the time the story first
emerged. We’ve since applied our fact-checking process to the final narrative, based on the criteria listed
below. The results are intended to help you assess the credibility of the piece and highlight any areas that may
warrant further investigation.
Freshness check
Score:
10
Notes:
The narrative is fresh, with no evidence of prior publication or recycled content. The earliest known publication date is October 26, 2025. The report is based on a press release from NECO, which typically warrants a high freshness score. No discrepancies in figures, dates, or quotes were found. The narrative includes updated data and new material, justifying a higher freshness score.
Quotes check
Score:
10
Notes:
The direct quotes from Prof. Dantani Wushishi and Dr. Tunji Alausa are unique to this report, with no identical matches found in earlier material. This suggests potentially original or exclusive content.
Source reliability
Score:
8
Notes:
The narrative originates from Real News Magazine, a reputable organisation. However, the presence of similar reports from other reputable outlets like Vanguard News and The Abuja Inquirer indicates that the information is corroborated across multiple sources. This strengthens the reliability of the narrative.
Plausability check
Score:
10
Notes:
The establishment of a NECO examination centre in London aligns with NECO’s global expansion strategy and the Nigerian government’s education policy on inclusivity and global engagement. The narrative provides specific details, including the partnership with Barnfield Education Ltd and recognition by UK universities, enhancing its credibility. The language and tone are consistent with official communications, and the structure is focused and relevant, without excessive or off-topic detail.
Overall assessment
Verdict (FAIL, OPEN, PASS): PASS
Confidence (LOW, MEDIUM, HIGH): HIGH
Summary:
The narrative is fresh, original, and corroborated by multiple reputable sources. The quotes are unique, and the information aligns with NECO’s strategic objectives and the Nigerian government’s education policy. The source is reliable, and the content is plausible and well-structured.
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