The National Examinations Council marked its Silver Jubilee on Thursday, May 7, 2026, with a renewed commitment to integrity, accessibility, and digital innovation in Nigeria’s education assessment system.
Speaking at the anniversary event held at the Bola Ahmed Tinubu Conference Centre in Garki, Registrar/Chief Executive Prof. Dantani Ibrahim Wushishi said NECO had grown from a bold initiative into an internationally recognised examination body conducting tests in eight countries.
“This occasion is not merely a celebration of the passage of time; it is a reflective moment to honor our journey, celebrate our achievements, and reaffirm our commitment to excellence in public examination administration,” Wushishi said.
He recalled that NECO faced early challenges including limited public trust, infrastructure gaps, and questions over the validity of its assessments. Through transparent processes and timely release of results, the Council gradually built credibility among students, parents, and stakeholders both at home and abroad.
The introduction of online registration and internet-based result release, he said, was a turning point that improved efficiency and strengthened public confidence. Today, NECO’s procedures reflect global best practices in assessment design, security, and data management.
Wushishi traced NECO’s origins to reforms under former President General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, who established the Center for Educational Measurement in Kaduna, later renamed the National Board for Educational Measurement in Minna before evolving into NECO. He also acknowledged former President Olusegun Obasanjo for gazetting the NECO Establishment Act and ensuring its effective take-off.
The Registrar highlighted several achievements under his leadership, including ongoing construction of offices in 10 states, a new science laboratory at headquarters, and the procurement of over 70 operational vehicles to improve logistics. Digital tools such as the NECO e-verify application, e-library, e-granary, and a Statistics and Data Analysis studio have also been introduced to enhance transparency and service delivery.
Outlining future plans, Wushishi said NECO would strengthen security protocols and anti-cheating measures, expand e-services and digital certificates, and broaden access for learners in underserved communities through targeted outreach and fee strategies. He confirmed that Computer-Based Examinations would commence this year to curb malpractice through real-time monitoring.
He paid tribute to past Registrars, particularly pioneer Registrar Prof. Dibu Ojerinde for building NECO’s nationwide infrastructure and pioneering online services, as well as Prof. Promise Okpala, Prof. Abdulrashid Garba, Prof. Charles Uwakwe, and Mal. Abubakar M. Gana for their contributions to stability and modernisation.
Wushishi also thanked the Niger State Government and the Gidan Mangoro and Baganakwo communities for hosting NECO’s headquarters in Minna, noting that their support had been crucial to the Council’s operations.
As part of the Silver Jubilee, NECO unveiled a book titled _“Twenty-Five Years of NECO: Evolution, Challenges and Contributions to Nigeria’s Educational Assessment System”_, compiled by the Centre for Democratic Development Research and Training, Zaria.
The event was attended by Speaker of the House of Representatives Rt. Hon. Dr. Abbas Tajudeen, Minister of Education Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, Minister of State for Education Prof. Suwaiba Said Ahmad, and international education leaders including Dr. Mafu S. Rakometsi of Umalusi and Dr. Eshetu Kebede of Ethiopia’s Educational Assessment and Examination Services.
