Prof. Dantani Ibrahim Wushishi
The National Examinations Council (NECO) says it has administered examinations to more than 35 million candidates within the last 25 years, describing the milestone as strong evidence of public confidence in the institution since its establishment in 1999.
The Registrar and Chief Executive of National Examinations Council (NECO), Prof. Dantani Wushishi, made this disclosure in Minna during a Gala and Awards Night held as part of activities marking the Council’s silver jubilee celebration.
Speaking on the theme “Celebrating 25 Years of NECO’s Excellence in Educational Assessment,” Wushishi said NECO was created on July 10, 1999, following sustained public demand for a credible, homegrown examination body that could complement existing assessment systems and respond more effectively to Nigeria’s growing educational needs.
He explained that the Council’s establishment was the result of several government panels and education reform committees between 1977 and 1997, all of which consistently recommended the creation of a national examination body that would ensure wider access, fairness, and inclusivity in educational assessment.
According to him, the achievement of over 35 million candidates over the past two and a half decades reflects both the scale of Nigeria’s education system and the trust placed in NECO’s processes.
“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 added that the silver jubilee is not only a moment of celebration but also a time for reflection and renewed commitment to strengthening examination standards through innovation, technology, and institutional reforms.
As part of the celebration, NECO honoured Emeritus Prof. Dibu Ojerinde, its pioneer Registrar from 1999 to 2007, with the Lifetime Achievement Award. Ojerinde, who later served as Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), was recognised for laying the foundation of the Council and helping to stabilise its early operations.
The Council also recognised outstanding academic performance across the country. Dority International Early Learning School emerged as the best-performing secondary school in internal Senior School Certificate Examination results since inception, while Federal Government Academy and Air Force Comprehensive School came second and third respectively.
In the state category, Bayelsa State was recognised for having the highest percentage of candidates with five credits and above in NECO SSCE internal examinations since inception.
Governors Douye Diri of Bayelsa, Dapo Abiodun of Ogun, and Monday Okpebholo of Edo were among those honoured for educational performance in their states. Lagos State, led by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, was also recognised for producing the highest number of registered candidates, while Kaduna and Oyo States received commendations for sustained improvements in performance.
Wushishi reaffirmed NECO’s commitment to maintaining integrity in examinations through enhanced use of technology, stronger collaboration with stakeholders, and continuous investment in human capital development. He pledged that the Council would continue to safeguard credibility, transparency, and excellence in Nigeria’s educational assessment system.
