The National Examinations Council has announced that more than 35 million candidates have participated in its various examinations over the past 25 years, highlighting its expanding role in educational assessment and national development.
The Registrar and Chief Executive of NECO, Professor Dantani Wushishi, disclosed this during a Gala and Awards Night held in Minna, Niger State, as part of activities marking the Council’s 25th anniversary.
Speaking on the theme, “Celebrating 25 Years of NECO’s Excellence in Educational Assessment,” Wushishi said the Council was established on July 10, 1999, following years of public demand for a credible, efficient, and nationally responsive examination body.
He explained that NECO’s creation resulted from recommendations of several government panels and committees between 1977 and 1997, all emphasising the need for a national examination institution capable of meeting Nigeria’s growing educational demands.
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Over the years, Wushishi said the Council has recorded significant progress, with its examinations impacting millions of Nigerians.
“Over the last 25 years, our work has touched the lives of almost 35 million Nigerians through various examinations. This reflects the trust reposed in NECO and our unwavering commitment to fairness, credibility, and integrity in examination administration,” he said.
The Registrar noted that the silver jubilee celebration was an opportunity not only to mark achievements but also to reflect on challenges and renew commitment to innovation and improvement in educational assessment.
He reaffirmed NECO’s resolve to sustain high standards through the adoption of modern technology, stronger stakeholder collaboration, and continuous investment in human capital and institutional processes.
As part of the anniversary activities, NECO conferred its Lifetime Achievement Award on Emeritus Professor Dibu Ojerinde in recognition of his pioneering role in establishing and stabilising the Council during its formative years.
The Council also honoured outstanding schools in its Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) Internal since inception.
Among the awardees were Dority International Early Learning School, which emerged overall best-performing secondary school, Federal Government Academy in second place, and Air Force Comprehensive School in third place.
In the state performance category, Bayelsa State, represented by Governor Douye Diri, was recognised for the highest percentage of candidates with five credits and above in NECO SSCE Internal examinations since inception.
Governors Dapo Abiodun, Monday Okpebholo, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Uba Sani, and Seyi Makinde were also honoured for their respective states’ performances and achievements in NECO examinations.
Wushishi expressed appreciation to staff, governments, partners, schools, and stakeholders for their support over the past 25 years, pledging that NECO would continue to uphold integrity, transparency, and excellence in educational assessment across Nigeria.
