Boko Haram, banditry, sit-at-home orders failed to stop NECO exams, says registrar

The National Examinations Council (NECO) says Boko Haram insurgency, banditry, kidnapping and sit-at-home orders have not stopped it from conducting examinations across Nigeria.

Ibrahim Wushishi, NECO registrar, spoke on Wednesday at the council’s 2025 annual staff productivity award ceremony in Minna, Niger state.

Wushishi attributed the uninterrupted conduct of the examinations to the resilience and commitment of the council’s workforce, whom he described as the “army of NECO”.

He said NECO personnel had remained committed to their duties despite security challenges that have disrupted activities in different parts of the country.

“During the heydays of Boko Haram, the activities of Boko Haram have never stopped NECO’s examination,” the NECO registrar said.

“Banditry has never stopped NECO examination. Kidnapping has never stopped NECO examination. Sit-at-home order has never stopped NECO examination.”

The registrar said the council had continued to distribute examination logistics as scheduled, including operations conducted at night when necessary.

According to him, the nature of NECO’s work requires personnel to remain constantly alert and ready to carry out their responsibilities.

“These are what the Armed Forces of the Federal Republic of Nigeria do during their activities or any time they are detailed to carry out security functions. So, the army of NECO, I salute you,” he said.

Wushishi said the council’s ability to sustain examination operations in difficult environments reflected the dedication of its workforce.

He said the annual productivity awards were designed not only to celebrate individual achievements but also to motivate staff, improve service delivery and promote continuous improvement across the council.

The registrar said the 2025 awards recognised exceptional contributions by staff and stakeholders, while encouraging healthy competition and a culture of improved performance.

He said productivity was not merely about completing assigned tasks but about delivering quality outcomes with integrity, timeliness and measurable impact.

Wushishi also acknowledged the contribution of stakeholders to NECO’s operations, saying their collaboration had helped the council sustain the conduct of examinations across Nigeria and foreign countries.

Also speaking, Abdullahi Garba, chairman of the house of representatives committee on aviation, said the ceremony was an opportunity to recognise the contributions of NECO staff and encourage excellence, discipline and continuous improvement.

Garba said the credibility of examinations depended not only on policies but also on the commitment, competence and integrity of those responsible for implementing them.

He urged NECO staff to allow the recognition of outstanding performance to inspire greater productivity, while stressing the need for fairness, transparency and accountability in the conduct of examinations.

At the ceremony, NECO honoured Ruth Nnamani, its Cross River state coordinator, as the best state coordinator of the year.

The award for excellence in performance went to Tabitha Kopdungha of Plateau state, Garba Sandy of Niger state and Rabiu Yakubu of Kaduna state.

The council also presented certificates of service to 55 retirees for their years of commitment and dedication.

Among the retirees recognised were Hajara Ali, former director of registration; Irem Obiahu, former director of south-south zone; Michael Okei, former director of test development; and Samuel Adiniyi, acting director of south-east zone.

Awards were also presented to the six zonal directors, the FCT liaison office and coordinators of NECO’s 36 state offices and Abuja.

The council also recognised outstanding students in various examinations conducted in 2025, including the senior school certificate examination (SSCE), basic education certificate examination (BECE), national gifted examination and national common entrance examination (NGENCEE).

The NECO registrar said the annual productivity awards were established to recognise exceptional contributions by its staff and stakeholders and to promote a culture of excellence and continuous improvement.