UK universities consider NECO results for Nigerian student admissions

The Registrar of the National Examinations Council (NECO), Professor Ibrahim Wushishi, has revealed that universities in the United Kingdom are expressing interest in utilising NECO examinations for admitting Nigerian students into their institutions.

During an interactive session with journalists in Abuja on Wednesday, Professor Wushishi disclosed that two UK universities have reached out to NECO to assess the credibility of its examinations for admission purposes.

NECO, which conducts examinations for nearly 1.5 million students annually across 76 different subjects and over 150 different papers, is exploring the potential migration towards Computer-Based Testing (CBT) to enhance the examination process and align with international standards.

Professor Wushishi emphasised the complexity of transitioning NECO’s examinations to CBT, especially considering the diverse range of subjects and papers involved.

Unlike other examination bodies like JAMB (Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board), which primarily use multiple-choice formats, NECO’s examinations encompass various formats, including essays and detailed subject assessments.

Addressing the challenges associated with implementing CBT, Professor Wushishi highlighted the need for experts to meticulously evaluate and strategise the integration of digital technologies into NECO’s examination system.

“While JAMB finds it relatively easy to embrace CBT due to the limited subject areas they examine, NECO faces a more complex transition given the breadth and depth of our examinations,” stated Professor Wushishi. “We examine a large number of candidates across diverse subjects and papers, necessitating a careful and gradual approach towards adopting CBT.”

In addition to discussions on digitalisation and CBT, Professor Wushishi underscored NECO’s commitment to combatting examination malpractices, particularly in the upcoming Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (SSCE) internal examinations scheduled for June.

He assured stakeholders that stringent measures are in place to safeguard the integrity of NECO’s examinations, including enhanced data protection, sophisticated identity verification, and proactive monitoring of potential malpractice activities.

“We have implemented robust programs for continuous sensitization and awareness to deter malpractices,” Professor Wushishi affirmed. “Our focus is on ensuring the security and credibility of our examinations, and we are confident in our ability to conduct the upcoming exams with integrity.”

The interest shown by UK universities in NECO’s examinations reflects the growing recognition of the council’s credibility and the academic achievements of Nigerian students.

This development opens new avenues for Nigerian students seeking higher education opportunities abroad, further emphasizing the importance of maintaining high standards in examination administration and assessment practices.