NECO Goes Global! Nigerian Exam Body Breaks New Ground, Accredits Schools In Burkina Faso

The National Examinations Council (NECO) has officially accredited selected schools in Burkina Faso to conduct its examinations, marking a significant step in the council’s expanding international presence.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The announcement was made on Sunday in Abuja by NECO’s Acting Director of Information and Public Relations, Azeez Sani.

Sani explained that the approval came after a rigorous evaluation of facilities in the shortlisted schools, paving the way for the administration of both the Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) and the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) in the country.

According to him, NECO’s accreditation team inspected essential infrastructure such as classrooms, laboratories, libraries, computer rooms, workshops, exam halls, sports facilities, and security arrangements. The team also reviewed Continuous Assessment records, teacher availability, and overall learning conditions to determine compliance with NECO standards.

“Following a thorough and comprehensive assessment, the selected schools were granted full accreditation to conduct NECO’s SSCE and BECE examinations,” Sani said.

He added that the move reflects NECO’s dedication to offering high-quality assessment services beyond Nigeria’s borders.

“With its steady global expansion, NECO is positioning itself as a leading examination body on the continent, providing opportunities not only for Nigerian students but also for other foreign learners to benefit from its expertise,” he noted.

Sani also highlighted NECO’s growing international centres, including its newly established exam centre in London, alongside existing ones in Togo, Benin Republic, Niger Republic, Equatorial Guinea, Côte d’Ivoire, and Saudi Arabia.

Nigeria’s Ambassador to Burkina Faso, M.D. Galadima, applauded the development, describing it as a much-needed relief for Nigerian families living in the country. He noted that parents previously faced challenges stemming from curriculum disparities and the limited availability of English-language schools.

He explained that many parents had been forced to travel with their children to Saki in Oyo State to register and write NECO exams, exposing them to security risks and significant financial costs.

“With this accreditation, those difficulties will be eliminated, reducing both security concerns and financial burdens on families,” Galadima said, urging Nigerians in Burkina Faso to seize the opportunity by enrolling their children for NECO exams.

The head of the accreditation team, Uche Ezenwanne, noted that the approval ensures Nigerian students in Burkina Faso will no longer need to travel home to sit for their examinations.

He added that the expansion further solidifies NECO’s standing as one of Africa’s leading examination bodies.