The National Examinations Council, NECO, has disclosed that more than 35 million candidates have participated in its various examinations over the past 25 years, highlighting the Council’s expanding role in educational assessment and national development.
NECO Registrar and Chief Executive, Professor Dantani Wushishi, made the disclosure during the Gala and Awards Night held in Minna as part of activities marking the Council’s 25th anniversary.
The event also featured the presentation of a 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.
Speaking on the theme, “Celebrating 25 Years of NECO’s Excellence in Educational Assessment,” Wushishi recalled that NECO was established on July 10, 1999, following sustained public demand for a credible, efficient, and nationally responsive examination body.
According to him, the Council emerged from recommendations made by several government panels and committees between 1977 and 1997, all of which underscored the need for a national examination institution capable of addressing Nigeria’s growing educational demands.
“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 noted that the silver jubilee celebration provided an opportunity not only to celebrate institutional milestones, but also to reflect, recognize achievements, and renew the Council’s commitment to innovation and continuous improvement in educational assessment.
He reaffirmed NECO’s resolve to sustain high standards in examination administration through the deployment of modern technology, strengthened stakeholder collaboration, and sustained investment in human capital and institutional processes.
As part of the anniversary activities, NECO conferred its highest honour, the Lifetime Achievement Award, on Ojerinde in recognition of his visionary leadership and foundational role in establishing and stabilizing the Council during its formative years.
The Council stated that the award is reserved for individuals whose contributions have created enduring institutional legacies and strengthened national assessment standards.
NECO also honoured top-performing schools in its Senior School Certificate Examination, SSCE, Internal examinations since inception.
Among the awardees were Dority International Early Learning School, which emerged as the overall best-performing secondary school, followed by Federal Government Academy in second place and Air Force Comprehensive School in third place.
In the state performance category, Governor Douye Diri was recognized on behalf of Bayelsa State for recording the highest percentage of candidates who obtained five credits and above in NECO SSCE Internal examinations since inception.
Governors Dapo Abiodun and Monday Okpebholo were also honoured for the performances of Ogun and Edo states respectively.
Similarly, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu was recognized for Lagos State recording the highest number of registered candidates in NECO SSCE Internal examinations since inception, while Governors Uba Sani and Seyi Makinde were honoured for the performances of Kaduna and Oyo states respectively.
Wushishi expressed appreciation to staff, development partners, governments, schools, and other stakeholders for their support over the past 25 years.
He pledged that NECO would continue to uphold integrity, transparency, and excellence in educational assessment across the country.
