Dantani Wushishi, registrar of the National Examination Council (NECO), says the body now conducts examinations in eight countries outside Nigeria.
Wushishi spoke on Thursday in Abuja during NECO’s 25th anniversary, reflecting on the council’s two-decade journey and achievements since its establishment in April 1999 by the military administration of Abdulsalami Abubakar. Olusegun Obasanjo was sworn in a month later, on May 29, 1999, as Nigeria’s first civilian president after years of military rule.
The registrar praised Obasanjo for helping “midwife the birth of the national council” and commended the Niger State government for its “exemplary hospitality” to NECO since inception.
Wushishi also thanked past education ministers and former registrars, singling out Dibu Ojerinde for guiding the council through a difficult period and introducing timely result releases, online registration and internet-based systems.
“The shift to online registration and internet-based result release became a game-changer, bringing speed, transparency and convenience to candidates and institutions,” he said. “By upholding rigorous standards over time, NECO’s credentials gained wider recognition and acceptance. Today, NECO is recognised on international platforms as a credible examination body contributing to educational integrity and mobility. This explains why we are currently conducting examinations in eight countries, and still counting.”
Looking ahead, Wushishi said his administration will prioritise enhanced security protocols, item banking and stronger anti-cheating measures to safeguard exam credibility. NECO also plans to expand electronic services, issue digital certificates, adopt data analytics, strengthen partnerships with global examination bodies, invest in staff capacity building and broaden access for learners in underserved communities through targeted outreach and support mechanisms.
