Education
Nigerian govt sets up panel to determine equivalence of American school results – NECO
The Federal Government has constituted a committee to determine the equivalence of results issued by American schools operating in Nigeria with Nigerian qualifications, the Registrar of the National Examinations Council, NECO, Prof. Dantani Ibrahim Wushishi, has disclosed.
Wushishi disclosed this while speaking with journalists at the 2025 Annual Staff Productivity Award Ceremony held at the NECO headquarters in Minna, Niger State.
He said the committee was constituted by the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, following concerns over the recognition of results from American schools operating in Nigeria by Nigerian tertiary institutions.
According to him, the issue has become necessary because American higher institutions admit Nigerian candidates with NECO results, while there have been concerns over the acceptance of results from American schools operating in Nigeria by Nigerian tertiary institutions.
He explained that the committee had held several meetings to determine the equivalence of the results, stressing that the exercise was being carried out with consideration for the standards required for admission into Nigerian tertiary institutions.
Wushishi described the development as significant for NECO, saying the council had moved from what he described as non-recognition to national and international recognition.
He noted that Nigerian candidates had been admitted into higher institutions outside the country with NECO results, adding that the development demonstrated the growing recognition of the council’s examinations.
The Registrar urged Nigerians to recognise the value of indigenous institutions, particularly NECO, which he said was established to serve Nigerians.
According to him, “Nigerians should recognise the worth of their own because it is when you give value to your own that some people see value in it.”
Wushishi, however, clarified that his appeal was not for Nigerians to stop patronising other examination bodies, but for them to recognise the importance of prioritising national interests.
He spoke against the backdrop of the council’s decision to honour staff who have served for more than 25 years, as well as retired personnel who contributed to its development.
The Registrar stated that the recognition was intended to motivate serving staff by rewarding hard work and productivity, particularly those who may need encouragement to improve their performance.
He said honouring retired personnel was also a way of reminding them that their contributions had not been forgotten and that they had left a legacy for the council and the country.
According to him, the initiative would also give younger Nigerians examples to emulate, particularly in hard work, dedication and contribution to nation-building.
Wushishi further said the philosophy behind the awards was to appreciate people whose work had contributed to producing Nigerians who went on to become professionals in different fields and, in turn, contribute to national development.