The National Examinations Council (NECO) said it has established a new examination centre in London, United Kingdom, as part of its global expansion drive to provide credible assessment opportunities for Nigerians in the diaspora.

Unveiling the centre during the Education Matters Conference UK 2025, NECO’s Registrar and Chief Executive, Prof. Dantani Ibrahim Wushishi, said the initiative was developed in partnership with Barnfield Education Ltd.

Prof. Wushishi in a statement issued by NECO”s Acting Director of Information and Public Relations, Azeez Sani said “The initiative aims to provide opportunities for Nigerian students and adult learners in the UK who, for various reasons, have been unable to complete secondary education or obtain equivalent qualifications.

“Our objective is to provide credible and accessible examination opportunities for Nigerians residing abroad in line with the Federal Government’s education policy on inclusivity and global engagement,”

According to him, the London centre will bring “far-reaching benefits” such as empowering the diaspora, strengthening national pride, enhancing global recognition and creating economic and social dividends.

Prof. Wushishi also noted that NECO certificates were recognized by several prestigious institutions in the United Kingdom, including Birmingham City University and Leeds Trinity University, as well as universities in the United States, Canada, India, China and Russia.

In his goodwill message, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, lauded NECO for the initiative, noting that it aligned with the ministry’s vision to ensure no Nigerian child, at home or abroad, was left behind.

“The establishment of the NECO SSCE Centre in London is a crucial step in serving our diaspora community. The federal ministry of education sees the diaspora not just as a community to serve but as a resource to be empowered.

He said the move aligns with the Ministry’s goal of leveraging the diaspora as a vital educational resource.

The statement added that the Director of BEP Education and NECO’s UK partner, Dr John Ibanga, said the new centre would serve as an alternative pathway for Nigerian students in the UK who face challenges within the British education system, particularly those unable to obtain the General Certificate of Secondary Education.

“Many Nigerian children encounter barriers in the UK system that limit their progression.

“This new NECO SSCE Centre provides a recognized alternative for both young learners and adults seeking academic or vocational advancement,” he explained.

During a courtesy visit to the Nigerian High Commission in London, the statement noted that the Registrar briefed the Mission on the establishment and accreditation of the new centre, stressing that the UK remains a strategic hub for expanding educational access to Nigerians abroad.

Responding, the Head of Political Affairs at the Mission, Ambassador Eche Abu-Obe, praised NECO’s move as a “timely and commendable effort” consistent with Nigeria’s policy on educational inclusivity and diaspora engagement.

“The Mission will collaborate with NECO to advance Nigeria’s educational and developmental objectives in the United Kingdom,” Abu-Obe affirmed.