NECO Marks 25 Years, Over 35 Million Candidates Assessed in National Exams Milestone

(NECO LOGO. Photo by vangaurd news)

Over 35 million candidates have taken part in the National Examinations Council's (NECO) numerous exams since it was founded 25 years ago, demonstrating the council's growing importance on educational assessment and national growth.

Prof. Dantani Wushishi, NECO's registrar and chief executive, revealed this at the Gala and Awards Night, which took place in Abuja on Thursday as part of events honoring the Council's silver jubilee celebration.

Speaking on the topic of "Celebrating 25 Years of NECO's Excellence in Educational Assessment," Wushishi stated that the council was founded on July 10, 1999, in response to persistent public demand for an examination organization that was reliable, effective, and sensitive to national needs.

He claims that NECO came about as a result of the suggestions made by a number of government committees and panels that were established between 1977 and 1997, all of which emphasized the pressing need for a domestic testing organization that could handle Nigeria's educational reality.

Through a variety of tests, our work has impacted the lives of about 35 million Nigerians over the past 25 years.

He said, "This reflects the trust placed in NECO and our unwavering commitment to fairness, credibility, and integrity in examination administration."

In addition to celebrating the institution's existence, Wushishi said the anniversary provided a chance for introspection, acknowledgment of accomplishments, and a renewed dedication to innovation and excellence in educational assessment.

Through technology-driven assessment procedures, improved stakeholder collaboration, ongoing investments in human capital, and institutional reforms, he reiterated the council's commitment to upholding high standards.

The awarding of NECO's highest honor, the Lifetime Achievement Award, to former Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) Registrar Emeritus Professor Dibu Ojerinde, who was NECO's first registrar from 1999 to 2007, was one of the event's main highlights.

According to the Council, Ojerinde's visionary leadership and fundamental contributions to the establishment and stabilization of NECO throughout its early years were recognized with this honor.

According to the Council, "the award is reserved for individuals whose contributions have strengthened national assessment standards and created enduring institutional legacies."

Since its founding, NECO has also recognized exceptional states and schools for their great results on the Senior School Certificate Examination, or SSCE.

The top-performing secondary school overall was Dority International Early Learning School, followed by Federal Government Academy and Air Force Comprehensive School in second and third place, respectively.

Bayelsa State, represented by Governor Douye Diri, was acknowledged in the state performance category for having the greatest percentage of candidates with five credits or more in NECO SSCE internal exams since the exam's introduction.

Governors Monday Okpebholo of Edo State and Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State were also recognized for their states' outstanding accomplishments.

In a similar vein, Kaduna State Governor Uba Sani and Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde were equally honored for their states' contributions and achievements, while Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu was recognized for having the most registered candidates in NECO SSCE Internal examinations since the exam's inception.

Wushishi promised that NECO will safeguard integrity, openness, and excellence in educational evaluation across the country and thanked workers, governments, schools, development partners, and other stakeholders for their support over the past 25 years.