The National Examinations Council (NECO) has marked its Silver Jubilee (25th anniversary) with a major announcement: the council has examined approximately 35 million candidates since its establishment in 1999.
During a Gala and Awards Night held in Minna on Thursday, May 7, 2026, the Registrar and Chief Executive, Professor Dantani Ibrahim Wushishi, highlighted this milestone as a testament to the trust Nigerians place in the indigenous examination body.
25 Years of Growth: Key Milestones
The anniversary, themed “Celebrating 25 Years of NECO’s Excellence in Educational Assessment,” served as a reflection on the council’s journey from a domestic alternative to an internationally recognized body:
- The 35 Million Benchmark: Over the last two and a half decades, NECO’s various examinations (SSCE Internal/External, BECE, and NCEE) have touched the lives of millions, providing a “nationally responsive” alternative to the West African Examinations Council (WAEC).
- International Reach: Professor Wushishi revealed that NECO has expanded its operations beyond Nigeria and is currently conducting examinations in eight other countries, signaling growing global confidence in its certification.
- The Pioneer Honor: In a “full circle” moment, the council conferred its Lifetime Achievement Award on Emeritus Professor Dibu Ojerinde, the pioneer Registrar (1999–2007), credited with stabilizing the body during its formative years.
The “CBT” Revolution: Starting 2026
The most significant news from the silver jubilee celebration was the federal government’s directive regarding digital transformation.
- Computer-Based Examinations (CBE): The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, announced that NECO will officially transition to Computer-Based Testing (CBT) for its examinations starting this year, 2026.
- Malpractice Crackdown: The move is designed to curb examination fraud through real-time monitoring and to align Nigeria’s assessment system with 21st-century digital competencies.
- Infrastructure Expansion: To support this shift, NECO has already begun constructing new offices in 10 states and deploying digital verification and e-certificate systems.
Hall of Fame: Top Performing States & Schools
As part of the celebrations, NECO recognized the top performers based on data from the last 25 years:
- Best Overall School: Dority International Early Learning School (Aba).
- Best State (Academic Performance): Bayelsa State (recorded the highest percentage of candidates with five credits and above, including English and Math).
- Highest Enrollment: Lagos State (recognized for recording the highest number of registered candidates since inception).
- Other Honorees: Governors of Ogun, Edo, Kaduna, and Oyo states were also recognized for their states’ consistent performance.
