In a significant step toward expanding Nigeria’s educational footprint globally, on the 26th of Octoberthe National Examinations Council (NECO) has established a new Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) center in London, United Kingdom. The move aims to provide credible, accessible assessment opportunities for Nigerians living abroad, especially adult learners and students who for a variety of reasons may not have completed their secondary education within Nigeria or obtained equivalent qualifications.

According to ThisDayNews, unveiled at the “Education Matters Conference UK 2025”, the new center is operated in partnership with Barnfield Education Ltd (BEP Education) in London. Mr. John Ibanga, the Director of Barnfield Education Ltd, stated that the center will provide support for Nigerian students facing challenges within the British education system. The initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s policy of inclusivity, that no Nigerian child, whether at home or abroad, should be left behind, and it helps in;

Diaspora access to Nigerian certification: According to the Independent NewsPaper Nigeria, many Nigerians abroad face challenges within foreign education systems (for example, the UK’s GCSE/A-Level system) which may not suit all learning trajectories. The London center provides a pathway for such learners to access a recognized Nigerian certificate that is accepted by multiple global institutions.

Global brand of Nigerian education: NECO’s move is part of a broader global expansion: the council now administers exams in at least seven countries, including Saudi Arabia, and has new centers awaiting accreditation in Egypt and Burkina Faso.

Alignment with digital & global trends: NECO’s leadership has emphasized the transition to Computer-Based Examinations (CBE) as foundational to its future. The London center can serve as a model for how the body meets global standards.

At the conference, NECO’s Registrar and Chief Executive, Prof. Dantani Ibrahim Wushishi, noted, “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.”

He stated the London center through the BEP Education partner is a strategic location because of the large Nigerian diaspora in the UK and offers “far-reaching benefits” including empowerment of the diaspora, national pride, global standing, and economic/social dividends. He further disclosed that NECO’s certificates are already recognized by UK institutions such as Birmingham City University and Leeds Trinity University, and institutions in the USA, Canada, India, China and Russia.#

The Ministry of Education, under Dr. Tunji Alausa, commended the initiative, saying it aligns with the ministry’s goal of leveraging the diaspora as a vital educational resource. The ministry said that “every Nigerian student deserves an education that enables them to compete and thrive globally.” Given that NECO has previously accredited foreign-based schools and examination sites (for example in Equatorial Guinea) as part of its widening global reach. The push for global expansion ties into broader reforms of the national examination system (including migration to computer-based testing) and the drive to strengthen Nigeria’s education export potential.

How does this benefit Nigerians in the UK

Learners who may face obstacles in the UK education system (e.g., those lacking GCSEs) now have an alternative recognized qualification via NECO SSCE London center. Nigerian adult learners seeking to complete secondary education credentials can utilize the center, bridging gaps in earlier schooling.The move enhances mobility for diaspora Nigerians: a NECO certificate accepted internationally could ease further study, vocational training or credential recognition abroad.

Implementation details and next steps

The London examination centre is being run in partnership with BEP Education (Barnfield Education Ltd) in London. NECO will coordinate with the Nigerian High Commission in London; the Registrar visited the High Commission to brief them on the accreditation and operations.

NECO indicated that additional global centers are in development, awaiting accreditation (e.g., Egypt, Burkina Faso). This suggests a phased roll-out of the global access strategy. For UK-based learners: information on registration, fees, examination schedules, local logistics and support will need to be communicated widely among Nigerian diaspora networks.

Challenges and considerations

While this is a milestone expansion, it has some posing challenges and considerations;

• Recognition and legitimacy: While NECO certificates are already accepted by several global institutions, diaspora students must verify that the specific certificate route (SSCE from London center) meets the entry requirements for their chosen universities or vocational programmes.

• Cost and logistics: Understanding fee structure, venue access, scheduling, support services and local accreditation will be key for prospective candidates in the UK.

• Quality assurance and oversight: NECO must ensure that the London center maintains the same standards of examination security, credibility and fairness as domestic centers, especially as it forms part of a global access strategy.

• Awareness and uptake: The success of the initiative will depend on awareness among the diaspora community, partnerships with diaspora organisations, and strong communication of how the pathway works.

The establishment of a NECO SSCE examination center in London marks a bold, symbolic and practical stride in Nigeria’s educational diplomacy. For the Nigerian diaspora in the UK and beyond, it opens an accessible route to recognized secondary credentials aligned with the national education brand. For NECO and Nigeria’s education sector, the move signals ambition: to be not just national but continental and global in reach.

However, the real test will be in execution, ensuring the London center is accessible, credible, affordable and well-integrated into the global education ecosystem. If done well, this initiative could truly deliver on the promise that no Nigerian child, at home or abroad, should be left behind.