By Gabriella Ogbu
Dr. Yusuf Tanko Sununu, the Minister of State for Education, has initiated the construction of seven state offices to ensure the smooth operation of the National Examinations Council (NECO). This development was disclosed on Friday in a statement signed by Azeez Sani, the Director of the Directorate of Information and Digital Communication.
The groundbreaking ceremony, held on Friday, marked the beginning of the construction of new state offices in Abia, Jigawa, Lagos, Rivers, Sokoto, and Taraba, as well as the permanent state office of NECO in Lafia, Nasarawa State.
Speaking at the event, Dr. Sununu emphasized that these initiatives are aimed at providing Nigerian children with a better future. He applauded the NECO Registrar for adhering to the principles of Federal Character by ensuring the equitable distribution of state offices across the six geopolitical zones.
“NECO, as an indigenous examination body, is committed to supporting every part of the nation,” Dr. Sununu stated. He assured NECO that the seven state offices would be completed on schedule to provide a comfortable working environment for their staff, highlighting that education is the cornerstone of development and the eradication of poverty.
“Creating a positive work atmosphere is crucial for fostering innovation and improving productivity,” he added.
The NECO Registrar, Prof. Wushishi, expressed that the new offices will serve as a model of excellence for Nigerian exam administration. “The Federal Government’s dedication to infrastructural development in the educational sector is reflected in this project, which is one of the seven capital projects allocated to NECO in this year’s budget. This underscores the government’s commitment to providing NECO and other institutions with the resources they need to effectively carry out their mandates,” he remarked.
The construction of these state offices is expected to significantly enhance NECO’s operational efficiency, ensuring that examinations are conducted in a more streamlined and organized manner. This move is part of a broader effort by the Federal Government to improve the educational infrastructure and create conducive environments for learning and administrative activities.
In addition to enhancing operational efficiency, the new state offices are anticipated to serve as regional hubs for exam administration, training, and support services. This will facilitate better coordination and communication between NECO headquarters and its state offices, ultimately benefiting students and educators across the country.
The initiative also represents a significant investment in the country’s educational infrastructure, demonstrating a long-term commitment to improving the quality and accessibility of education in Nigeria. By providing NECO with the necessary facilities and resources, the government aims to strengthen the integrity and reliability of national examinations, which are critical for the academic and professional development of Nigerian students.
