NECO tests over 35 million candidates in 25 years as Ojerinde bags Lifetime Achievement Award
By Uji A Iliyasu Abuja
The National Examinations Council (NECO) has disclosed that more than 35 million candidates have participated in its various examinations over the last 25 years, highlighting the Council’s growing role in educational assessment and national development.
Registrar and Chief Executive of NECO, Prof. Dantani Ibrahim Wushishi, made this known during the Gala and Awards Night organised as part of activities marking the Council’s Silver Jubilee celebration in Minna, Niger State.
The event also featured the conferment of the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award on former Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Emeritus Prof. Dibu Ojerinde, who served as NECO’s pioneer Registrar from 1999 to 2007.
Speaking on the theme, “Celebrating 25 Years of NECO’s Excellence in Educational Assessment,” Wushishi said the Council was established on 10 July 1999, following sustained public demand for a credible, efficient, and nationally responsive examination body.
He explained that NECO’s creation stemmed from recommendations of several government panels and committees set up between 1977 and 1997, all of which advocated the establishment of a national examination institution capable of addressing Nigeria’s expanding educational needs.
“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,” Wushishi stated.
He added that the silver jubilee celebration provided an opportunity not only to celebrate the Council’s achievements but also to reflect on its journey and renew commitment towards innovation and continuous improvement in educational assessment.
He reaffirmed NECO’s determination to sustain high standards in examination administration through the deployment of modern technology, strengthened collaboration with stakeholders, and continued investment in human capital and institutional processes.
In recognition of his foundational role in establishing and stabilising the Council, Emeritus Prof. Ojerinde received NECO’s highest honour, the Lifetime Achievement Award.
The Council said the award is reserved for individuals whose contributions have created enduring institutional legacies and strengthened national assessment standards.
As part of the anniversary celebrations, NECO also honoured schools and states for outstanding performances in the Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) Internal since inception.
Dority International Early Learning School emerged as the overall best-performing secondary school, while Federal Government Academy and Air Force Comprehensive School came second and third respectively.
Bayelsa State, represented by Governor Douye Diri, was recognised as the state with the highest percentage of candidates who obtained five credits and above in NECO SSCE Internal examinations since inception.
Governors Dapo Abiodun, Monday Okpebholo, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Uba Sani and Seyi Makinde were also honoured for outstanding performances recorded by Ogun, Edo, Lagos, Kaduna and Oyo states respectively.
Wushishi expressed appreciation to staff, governments, schools, partners and other stakeholders for their support over the past 25 years, pledging that NECO would continue to uphold integrity, transparency and excellence in educational assessment across the country.