The National Examinations Council (NECO) has officially accredited schools in Burkina Faso to conduct its examinations, marking a major step in expanding the council’s international operations. The accreditation covers the Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) and the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE), which are key qualifications for secondary education in Nigeria and other West African countries.
According to an official statement, NECO’s move aims to strengthen educational cooperation and provide standardized assessment opportunities to Nigerian and English-speaking students residing in Burkina Faso. The expansion aligns with NECO’s strategic plan to increase its global footprint and foster educational inclusivity within the West African subregion.
NECO highlighted that the accreditation process followed rigorous evaluation standards to ensure that the newly approved centers meet all necessary infrastructure, personnel, and security requirements. This ensures fairness, transparency, and adherence to the same quality benchmarks applied in Nigeria.
“This development underscores Nigeria’s leadership in promoting credible education assessment across Africa,” the statement read.
The new accreditation will allow students in Burkina Faso to sit for NECO examinations without traveling to Nigeria. This is expected to reduce logistical challenges, expand access to Nigerian academic qualifications, and further integrate regional education systems.
Author’s summary: NECO’s recent accreditation of schools in Burkina Faso marks a major step in extending Nigerian examination standards across West Africa, enhancing access and regional education cooperation.