NECO Expands Global Reach: Accredits Schools in Niger Republic and Equatorial Guinea
The National Examinations Council (NECO) has achieved a significant milestone by accrediting schools in Niger Republic and Equatorial Guinea to conduct the Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) and the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE).
This strategic move is part of NECO’s efforts to expand its global footprint and create more opportunities for students beyond Nigeria to access its examinations.
Rigorous Accreditation Process
According to a statement by Mr. Azeez Sani, NECO’s Acting Director of Information and Public Relations, the accreditation followed an in-depth evaluation process. A dedicated NECO Accreditation Team assessed the readiness of the schools to conduct the SSCE and BECE.
“The team inspected classrooms, laboratories, libraries, computer labs, workshops, examination halls, and sports facilities to ensure they met NECO’s standards. Based on this comprehensive assessment, the schools were granted full accreditation status,” Sani said.
NECO’s Vision for Global Education
This expansion is part of NECO’s broader initiative to position itself as a leading examination body across Africa. By extending its services beyond Nigeria, NECO aims to offer internationally recognized certifications and ensure quality education and assessments for students worldwide.
“This accreditation demonstrates NECO’s commitment to delivering high-quality education and examinations beyond Nigeria’s borders,” Sani emphasized.
First International SSCE External Centre
As part of its international expansion, NECO has also established its first-ever external SSCE examination center outside Nigeria. The center, located at the UNHCR School in Diffa, Niger Republic, marks a historic milestone for the council.
“The UNHCR School in Diffa, Niger Republic, is the first NECO SSCE external center outside Nigeria,” Sani confirmed.
Understanding NECO’s Role
Established in 1999, NECO is a Nigerian examination body responsible for conducting standardized assessments for secondary school students. Its flagship exams include the Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) and the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE), both of which are essential for academic advancement and professional qualifications in Nigeria.
2024 SSCE Performance Highlights
For the 2024 SSCE, NECO registered 1,376,423 candidates, with 1,367,736 eventually sitting for the exams. Of those, 60.55% (828,284) achieved at least five credits, including English Language and Mathematics—core requirements for university admission. This pass rate aligns with trends from previous years: 61.60% in 2023 and 60% in 2022.
Additionally, 83.90% of candidates earned credits in at least five subjects, regardless of English Language and Mathematics, reflecting a slight dip from 84.68% in 2023.
Paving the Way for Educational Excellence
With these advancements, NECO continues to strengthen its role as a critical player in education, extending its reach across Africa and offering students the tools they need for academic and professional success. Its commitment to global standards underscores its ambition to become a premier examination body on the continent.