NECO Reveals Why Boko Haram, Bandits Failed To Disrupt Examinations, Rewards Outstanding Staff

The National Examinations Council (NECO) has said neither Boko Haram attacks, banditry, kidnapping nor sit-at-home orders have ever stopped the conduct of its examinations, crediting the dedication and resilience of its workforce for keeping the system running across Nigeria.

The Registrar of NECO, Prof. Ibrahim Dantani Wushishi, stated this on Wednesday in Minna, Niger State, during the Council’s 2025 Annual Staff Productivity Award Ceremony, where outstanding staff, retirees and top-performing students were honoured for their contributions and achievements.

Wushishi described NECO workers as the “army of NECO”, saying their commitment had ensured that examination materials were delivered and examinations conducted despite difficult security situations in different parts of the country.

“During the heydays of Boko Haram, the activities of Boko Haram have never stopped NECO’s examination. Banditry has never stopped NECO examination. Kidnapping has never stopped NECO examination. Sit-at-home order has never stopped NECO examination,” he said.

He added that NECO officials continued to move examination materials whenever required, whether during the day or at night.

“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.

The registrar said the annual productivity awards were introduced to reward excellence, motivate workers, improve service delivery and encourage healthy competition across the council. He added that productivity means delivering quality service with integrity, timeliness and measurable impact.

He urged award recipients to remain role models and encouraged all NECO workers to embrace teamwork, perseverance and continuous self-improvement. He also thanked stakeholders for supporting the council in sustaining smooth examinations in Nigeria and some foreign countries.

Also speaking, Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Aviation, Hon. Abdullahi Idris Garba, said the awards went beyond recognition, noting that they were designed to encourage excellence, discipline and continuous improvement among NECO staff.

He stressed that the credibility of public examinations depends largely on the commitment, competence and integrity of those responsible for conducting them, urging workers to remain fair, transparent and accountable because their work shapes the future of millions of students.

Among the award recipients, Cross River State Coordinator, Miss Ruth Nnamani, emerged as the Best State Coordinator, while Mrs. Tabitha Kopdungha, Mr. Garba Sandy and Mr. Rabiu Yakubu received Excellence Performance Awards. NECO also honoured 55 retirees for their years of dedicated service and recognised outstanding male and female students in the 2025 SSCE, BECE, National Gifted Examination and National Common Entrance Examination.