The Minister of State for Education, Yusuf Tanko Sununu, has launched the construction of seven new state offices for the National Examinations Council (NECO) to enhance its operational activities.
The groundbreaking ceremony for the permanent NECO state office in Lafia, Nasarawa state, along with the symbolic inauguration of offices in other states, took place on Friday, July 5, in Lafia, Nasarawa State.
A statement by the acting director of NECO’s directorate of information and digital communication, Azeez Sani noted that the new offices will be established in Nasarawa, Abia, Jigawa, Lagos, Rivers, Sokoto, and Taraba states.
Speaking at the ceremony, Dr. Sununu said that these projects will secure a brighter future for Nigerian children.
He praised NECO’s registrar, Prof Dantani Wushishi for ensuring equitable distribution of the offices across the six geopolitical zones, adhering to the principle of federal character.
Dr. Sununu highlighted NECO’s readiness to incorporate all components of the country as an indigenous examination body.
He described education as the cornerstone of development and poverty eradication and assured that the seven state offices would be completed promptly to provide a conducive working environment for NECO staff.
He stated: “A conducive working environment is essential for nurturing ideas and enhancing job efficiency.”
The Minister, who commended Prof Wushishi for initiating various reforms which have placed NECO on the global map, stated that the Council is a credible examination body that is comparable to any other in the world.
Prof. Wushishi explained that the new offices will serve as a beacon of excellence in the administration of examinations in Nigeria.
He said: “This project is a direct outcome of the Federal Government’s commitment to infrastructural development within the educational sector and is, therefore, part of the seven capital projects captured for NECO in this year’s budget, underscoring the government’s dedication to providing institutions like NECO with necessary resources to fulfil their mandate effectively.”