By Felix Khanoba
The National Examinations Council (NECO) has revealed that more than 35 million candidates have taken part in its examinations within the last 25 years, highlighting the Council’s contribution to educational assessment and national growth.
The disclosure was made by the Registrar and Chief Executive of NECO, Professor Dantani Wushishi, during the Gala and Awards Night organised to commemorate the Council’s 25th anniversary in Minna.
During the celebration, former Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Emeritus Professor Dibu Ojerinde, received the Lifetime Achievement Award. Ojerinde served as NECO’s pioneer Registrar from 1999 to 2007.
Addressing participants on the theme, “Celebrating 25 Years of NECO’s Excellence in Educational Assessment,” Wushishi recalled that NECO came into existence on July 10, 1999, after prolonged public calls for a credible, efficient and nationally responsive examination body.
He explained that the establishment of the Council followed recommendations made by various government panels and committees between 1977 and 1997, all stressing the necessity for a national examination institution capable of addressing the expanding educational demands 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.
According to the Registrar, the silver jubilee celebration provided an avenue not only to celebrate achievements recorded by the institution, but also to reflect, recognise contributions, and renew commitment toward innovation and continuous improvement in educational assessment.
Wushishi reiterated the Council’s determination to maintain high standards in examination administration through the deployment of modern technology, enhanced collaboration with stakeholders, and increased investment in manpower and institutional systems.
As part of activities marking the anniversary, NECO presented its highest recognition, the Lifetime Achievement Award, to Emeritus Professor Dibu Ojerinde for his visionary leadership and significant role in laying the foundation and stabilising the Council in its early years.
The Council stated that the award is reserved for personalities whose contributions have left lasting institutional legacies and strengthened national assessment standards.
NECO also recognised schools that have excelled in the Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) Internal since the Council’s inception.
Dority International Early Learning School emerged as the overall best-performing secondary school, while Federal Government Academy and Air Force Comprehensive School came second and third respectively.
Under the state performance category, Douye Diri was honoured on behalf of Bayelsa State for recording the highest percentage of candidates with five credits and above in NECO SSCE Internal examinations since inception.
Governors Dapo Abiodun and Monday Okpebholo were equally recognised for the performances of Ogun and Edo states respectively.
In the same vein, Babajide Sanwo-Olu received recognition for Lagos State having the highest number of registered candidates in NECO SSCE Internal examinations since inception, while Uba Sani and Seyi Makinde were honoured for the performances of Kaduna and Oyo states respectively.
Wushishi thanked members of staff, development partners, governments, schools and other stakeholders for their support over the years, assuring that NECO would continue to uphold integrity, transparency and excellence in educational assessment nationwide.
