Follow Us on Google
From Tony Osauzo, Benin
Edo State governor, Senator Monday Okpebholo has bagged the National Examinations Council (NECO) Award of Excellence following the state’s emergence as the state with the third highest percentage of candidates who obtained five credits and above in the Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) Internal examinations since the council’s inception.
NECO, Nigeria’s national examination body was set up in April 1999. Currently headed by Registrar and Chief Executive, Prof Dantani Ibrahim Wushishi, it is responsible for conducting the annual SSCE.
The council while announcing the annual award said it recognises state governments and institutions that have demonstrated consistent excellence in students’ academic performance and participation in its examinations.
It noted that the category of award highlights measurable, data-driven achievements, including high pass rates, expanded access to examinations, and sustained investment in the education sector.
Other News
Accordingly, it said the recognition also underscores the importance of sub-national governments in improving educational standards and outcomes across the country.
“It also reflects the critical role of sub-national governments and institutions in driving educational outcomes and improving standards. By rewarding excellence at the state level, the award encourages healthy competition and stronger commitment to quality education,” the council stated.
NECO added that the award aligns with its broader mission of promoting quality education and ensuring that assessment outcomes contribute meaningfully to national development.
The council further described the honour as both a recognition of achievement and a challenge to other states and institutions to improve standards within Nigeria’s education system.
The award is the second major recognition received by the Okpebholo administration in the education sector in less than two years in office.
