NECO Expands Abroad, Opens First Examination Centre in the United Kingdom
By Erewunmi Peace
The National Examinations Council (NECO) has taken a historic step in its global expansion drive by establishing its first examination centre in the United Kingdom, marking a significant milestone in extending Nigeria’s educational assessment services to the diaspora.
The official launch took place during the Education Matters Conference UK 2025, where NECO announced its partnership with Barnfield Education Limited to manage the new centre. The development aims to provide Nigerians residing in the UK with easier access to credible examination and certification opportunities equivalent to those available in Nigeria.
Speaking at the event, NECO Registrar and Chief Executive, Prof. Dantani Wushishi, said the move underscores the council’s commitment to inclusivity and international recognition of Nigerian qualifications. He emphasized that the UK expansion would also strengthen NECO’s presence in other countries where its exams are already being administered, including Saudi Arabia, the Gambia, and Togo.
“This new centre in the United Kingdom is part of our strategic plan to reach Nigerians abroad and provide standardized, credible assessment wherever they reside,” Prof. Wushishi said.
NECO also noted that its certificates are recognized by several reputable universities in the United Kingdom, including Birmingham City University and Leeds Trinity University, as well as other institutions in the United States, Canada, and Europe.
The establishment of the UK centre aligns with NECO’s broader agenda to enhance international acceptance of its qualifications and to strengthen educational collaboration between Nigeria and other nations.
While the council has yet to release full operational details about registration and examination logistics for the UK centre, officials have assured that information will soon be made available on the official NECO website at www.neco.gov.ng.
This marks the first time in NECO’s history that the examination body is setting up an officially recognized centre outside Africa.
