The National Examinations Council (NECO) has taken a significant step in expanding its global presence with the establishment of a new examination centre in London, United Kingdom.

The centre, located at Barnfield Education Ltd (BEP Education), is a strategic move to provide accessible and credible examination opportunities for Nigerians residing in the UK, aligning with the federal government’s education policy on inclusivity and global engagement.

Speaking at the “Education Matters Conference UK 2025”, NECO Registrar/Chief Executive, Prof. Dantani Ibrahim Wushishi, highlighted the centre’s benefits, including empowering the diaspora, elevating national pride, and leveraging proven educational capacity.

The NECO SSCE certificate is recognized by prestigious UK institutions, such as Birmingham City University and Leeds Trinity University, and is also accepted worldwide, including in the USA, Canada, India, China, and Russia.

Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, commended NECO for the initiative, stating it aligns with the Federal Ministry of Education’s mandate to serve every Nigerian child, including those in the diaspora.

The establishment of the centre is expected to provide an alternative pathway for Nigerian students in the UK who face challenges in achieving required GCSE qualifications, offering recognized qualifications for further education and vocational advancement.

NECO plans to expand its reach to other strategic locations globally, solidifying its position as a premier African assessment body