The National Examinations Council (NECO) recently held its 2024 Annual Staff Productivity Award Ceremony, recognizing outstanding staff, retirees, and top-performing students. The ceremony, held in Minna, aimed to promote a culture of excellence, discipline, and ethical service in Nigeria’s education system.

NECO Registrar, Prof. Ibrahim Wushishi, emphasized the importance of rewarding diligence and achievement, saying, “Excellence is the heartbeat of NECO because what we do forms the bedrock of individual development and the collective progress of our nation.” The awards ceremony recognized exceptional performance across several categories, including Outstanding Public Service, Lifetime Achievement, Excellence in Integrity and Ethics, and Student Excellence.

A total of 45 retired staff members received Certificates of Service, while 61 staff were honored as the most hardworking and dedicated staff of the year. Fifteen individuals received special awards, and top-performing students in NECO examinations were also recognized.

The ceremony highlighted NECO’s commitment to promoting excellence and integrity in Nigeria’s education system. The Registrar commended the Council’s workforce, past and present, for their daily efforts in sustaining NECO’s credibility. He also urged students to sustain their drive for knowledge and view recognition as a beginning of a lifelong pursuit of impact and knowledge.

The Chairman of the occasion, Hon. Yakubu Mohammed Kolo, praised NECO for institutionalizing the awards, saying it reinforces the value of hard work and motivates individuals to go beyond the ordinary. He drew parallels between education and environmental stewardship, emphasizing the importance of consistency and vision in both areas.