The National Examinations Council NECO has announced that more than 35 million candidates have participated in its various examinations since the council was elished 25 years ago. The milestone reflects NECO’s growing role in educational assessment and national development across Nigeria.
Registrar and Chief Executive of NECO Professor Dantani Wushishi disclosed this during the Gala and Awards Night held in Abuja as part of activities marking the council’s silver jubilee celebration.
Speaking on the theme “Celebrating 25 Years of NECO’s Excellence in Educational Assessment” Wushishi said NECO was created on July 10 1999 following widespread calls for a credible and efficient national examination body.
According to him several government panels and committees set up between 1977 and 1997 recommended the elishment of a homegrown institution capable of addressing the realities of Nigeria’s education sector.
Wushishi noted that NECO’s impact over the past two and a half decades has been significant with millions of Nigerians benefiting from its examination services. He said the council remains committed to fairness credibility and integrity in examination administration.
He added that the anniversary was not only a celebration of NECO’s longevity but also an opportunity to reflect on achievements and renew its commitment to innovation and excellence. He reaffirmed the council’s determination to strengthen technology driven examination processes improve collaboration with stakeholders and invest in institutional reforms.
One of the major highlights of the event was the presentation of NECO’s Lifetime Achievement Award to Emeritus Professor Dibu Ojerinde former Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board JAMB and pioneer registrar of NECO from 1999 to 2007.
The council also recognised outstanding schools and states for exceptional performances in the Senior School Certificate Examination SSCE over the years while appreciating governments schools and development partners for their continued support.
Leave a comment