The National Examinations Council (NECO) has disclosed that more than 35 million candidates have participated in its various examinations over the past 25 years.

Registrar and Chief Executive of NECO, Dantani Wushishi, made the disclosure during the Gala and Awards Night organised as part of activities marking the council’s 25th anniversary in Minna.

Speaking on the theme, “Celebrating 25 Years of NECO’s Excellence in Educational Assessment,” Wushishi said the council was established on July 10, 1999, after years of public demand for a credible, efficient and nationally responsive examination body.

According to him, the establishment of NECO followed recommendations by several government panels and committees between 1977 and 1997, which highlighted the need for a national examination institution capable of addressing Nigeria’s growing educational demands.

“Over the last 25 years, our work has touched the lives of almost 35 million Nigerians through various examinations. This reflects the trust reposed in NECO and our unwavering commitment to fairness, credibility, and integrity in examination administration,” he said.

Wushishi described the silver jubilee celebration as an opportunity not only to celebrate the council’s achievements but also to reflect on its journey and recommit to innovation and continuous improvement in educational assessment.

He said NECO would continue to uphold high standards in examination administration through the adoption of modern technology, stronger collaboration with stakeholders and sustained investment in human capital and institutional processes.

As part of the anniversary celebration, NECO conferred its highest honour, the Lifetime Achievement Award, on Dibu Ojerinde, former Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board and pioneer Registrar of NECO from 1999 to 2007.