The National Examinations Council has launched a new examination centre in London, United Kingdom, as part of a wider move to make its services accessible to Nigerians living in the diaspora.

The centre was unveiled during the Education Matters Conference UK 2025, where NECO’s Registrar and Chief Executive, Professor Dantani Wushishi.

According to a Sunday statement signed by Azeez Sani, NECO’s Acting Director of Information and Public Relations, Wushishi described the development as a landmark step in expanding Nigeria’s educational reach beyond.

Speaking during the event, Wushishi expressed that the new centre was created in partnership with Barnfield Education Ltd to give Nigerian students and adult learners in the UK an opportunity to complete their secondary education or obtain equivalent qualifications.

“The initiative aims to provide opportunities for Nigerian students and adult learners in the UK who, for various reasons, have been unable to complete secondary education or obtain equivalent qualifications.

“Our objective is to provide credible and accessible examination opportunities for Nigerians residing abroad in line with the Federal Government’s education policy on inclusivity and global engagement,” Wushishi said.

He explained that the new Senior School Certificate Examination centre would serve as a bridge for Nigerians abroad to stay connected to their country’s educational system while promoting national identity and global recognition of NECO certificates.

Wushishi stated that the Council now conducts examinations in seven countries, including Saudi Arabia, while plans are underway to open additional centres in Egypt and Burkina Faso.

He added that NECO certificates are already recognised by universities such as Birmingham City University and Leeds Trinity University in the UK, as well as by institutions in the United States, Canada, India, China, and Russia.

In his goodwill message, the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, praised NECO for taking what he called a “bold and inclusive step” to ensure that no Nigerian child is left behind, whether at home or abroad.

He said the initiative aligns with the Federal Ministry of Education’s efforts to harness the potential of the Nigerian diaspora as a strategic educational resource.

Also speaking, the Director of BEP Education and NECO’s UK partner, Dr John Ibanga, said the centre would serve as an alternative route for Nigerian students struggling to fit into the British education system, especially those unable to obtain the General Certificate of Secondary Education (GCSE).

“Many Nigerian children encounter barriers in the UK system that limit their progression. This new NECO SSCE Centre provides a recognised alternative for both young learners and adults seeking academic or vocational advancement,” he said.

During a courtesy visit to the Nigerian High Commission in London, Prof. Wushishi briefed officials on the centre’s establishment and accreditation process. He emphasised that the United Kingdom remains a key location for expanding educational access to Nigerians abroad.

Responding, the Head of Political Affairs at the Nigerian High Commission, Ambassador Eche Abu-Obe, commended NECO for what he described as a “timely and commendable effort” that reflects Nigeria’s commitment to inclusive education and diaspora engagement.

“The Mission will collaborate with NECO to advance Nigeria’s educational and developmental objectives in the United Kingdom,” Abu-Obe said.

The new London centre is expected to begin full operations soon, offering Nigerian students and adult learners in the UK an opportunity to obtain a qualification recognised both locally and internationally.

The management of Taraba State University has ordered the immediate suspension of all student associations, unions, clubs, and societies within the institution, citing rising cases of indiscipline and defiance among some student groups.

In a circular issued on Friday and signed by the Registrar, Dr Joseph U. Bibinu, the university expressed concern that the behaviour of certain associations had undermined peace, order, and academic integrity on campus.

“The University Management hereby orders the immediate suspension of all student associations, unions, clubs, and societies operating within the University. This suspension takes immediate effect and shall remain in force until further notice,” the statement read.

The directive prohibits any student group or individual from holding meetings, organising events, issuing statements, or conducting any activity under the name of a student association, either within or outside the campus.

The university further warned that any breach of the directive would be regarded as gross misconduct and would attract strict disciplinary action in line with existing regulations.

Dr Bibinu added that the institution would soon unveil a new framework for responsible student representation aimed at ensuring discipline, order, and effective engagement between management and the student body.

Edo State Governor Monday Okpebholo has assured teachers in the state that under his watch their reward is no longer in heaven.

The governor gave the assurances on Wednesday during the presentation of appointment letters to 5,000 newly employed teachers.

Okpebholo who personally presented the letters to the teachers, emphasized the significance of the occasion and the government’s commitment to valuing its educators.

“Teachers, I am happy to see you. I wanted it this way, because, I had asked several times if you had received your letters. The answer was no.

“So, I decided to supervise the process myself. As you collect your appointment letters today, you will also receive transport fare because I know many of you have traveled long distances.

“You are very important to us. Your reward is no longer in heaven; it is here, under our watch,” he said.

He said with the presentation of the appointment letters, the teachers who had been on contracts since have now been officially absorbed into the State Ministry of Education as permanent staff.

The governor who acknowledged the vital role teachers play in shaping the future of Edo State, said the employment underscored his administration’s dedication to improving the welfare of educators.

4,500 of the teachers were employed under the Edo star programme of the former Governor Godwin Obaseki administration while 500 others were newly recruited by the state government.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Education, Dr. Paddy Iyamu, expressed deep appreciation for the teachers’ perseverance over the past three years despite the challenges of being on contract.

“You have been suffering for years, yet you have stayed committed to educating our children, waking up at night to prepare lesson notes. Beautiful schools without teachers are useless. Today, an angel has come, a leader who thinks about your welfare day and night,” he added.

Iyamu, who highlighted some of the achievements of Okpebholo’s administration within the education sector, noted that the construction of over 68 schools within one year is aimed at benefiting children from all walks of life.

He further disclosed that the EDU-Rescue Programme was launched to give children from poor backgrounds access to quality education.