The National Examinations Council (NECO) has disclosed that more than 35 million candidates have participated in its various examinations since the body was established 25 years ago, underscoring its growing role in Nigeria’s education sector.
Registrar and Chief Executive of NECO, Prof. Dantani Wushishi, revealed this during the Council’s Gala and Awards Night held in Abuja on Thursday as part of activities marking its silver jubilee celebration.
Speaking on the theme, “Celebrating 25 Years of NECO’s Excellence in Educational Assessment,” Wushishi said the examination body was established on July 10, 1999, following widespread demand for a credible and nationally responsive examination institution.
According to him, NECO emerged from recommendations made by several government committees and panels between 1977 and 1997, which identified the need for a homegrown examination body capable of addressing Nigeria’s educational realities.
“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.
Wushishi described the anniversary as an opportunity not only to celebrate the council’s achievements but also to reflect on its journey and recommit to innovation and excellence in educational assessment.
He reaffirmed NECO’s commitment to maintaining high standards through technology-driven examination processes, stronger collaboration with stakeholders and continuous institutional reforms.
A major highlight of the event was the presentation of NECO’s highest honour, the Lifetime Achievement Award, to former Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Emeritus Professor Dibu Ojerinde, who served as NECO’s pioneer registrar from 1999 to 2007.
The council said the award recognised Ojerinde’s visionary leadership and foundational contributions toward establishing and stabilising NECO during its formative years.
“The award is reserved for individuals whose contributions have created enduring institutional legacies and strengthened national assessment standards,” the council stated.
NECO also recognised outstanding schools and states for exceptional performances in the Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) 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 secured second and third positions respectively.
In the state category, Bayelsa State, represented by Governor Douye Diri, was honoured for recording the highest percentage of candidates with five credits and above in NECO SSCE internal examinations since inception.
Governors Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State and Monday Okpebholo of Edo State were also recognised for their states’ strong performances.
Similarly, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu received an award for recording the highest number of registered candidates in NECO SSCE internal examinations since inception, while Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde were honoured for their states’ contributions to educational development.
Wushishi appreciated governments, schools, development partners, staff and stakeholders for supporting NECO over the past 25 years, pledging that the council would continue to uphold transparency, integrity and excellence in educational assessment nationwide.