The National Examinations Council (NECO) has announced the accreditation of additional foreign schools to participate in its Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) and Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) starting next year. The newly accredited institutions include schools in Niger Republic and Equatorial Guinea, joining Saudi Arabia, which already holds NECO accreditation.
The announcement was made on Saturday in Minna through a statement by NECO’s Director of Information and Public Relations, Mallam Azeez Sani. According to him, the initiative is part of NECO’s drive to expand its global footprint and provide quality education assessments beyond Nigeria’s borders.
Thorough Evaluation Process
Mallam Azeez explained that NECO’s Accreditation Team conducted a detailed evaluation of the schools, inspecting classrooms, laboratories, libraries, computer facilities, workshops, examination halls, and sports facilities to ensure they meet the council’s standards.
“After a comprehensive assessment, the schools were granted full SSCE and BECE accreditation status,” he said.
He emphasized that this expansion underscores NECO’s commitment to promoting quality education and assessments both within Nigeria and internationally.
Global Presence and Regional Impact
NECO’s expanding reach positions it as a leading examination body in Africa. The council is now active in several countries, including Benin Republic, Togo, Côte d’Ivoire, Niger Republic, Equatorial Guinea, and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
In a related development, NECO revealed that candidates are currently sitting for the ongoing NECO SSCE External examinations in Diffa, Niger Republic. Notably, the UNHCR School in Diffa is the first NECO SSCE External Centre outside Nigeria.
“This development allows NECO to contribute to the advancement of education across Africa and beyond, providing students with opportunities to benefit from its expertise,” the statement added.
With its growing international accreditation, NECO continues to set the pace as a credible and globally recognized examination body, fostering educational excellence in Nigeria and the wider African continent.