Since his appointment as the Registrar/Chief Executive of the National Examinations Council (NECO) on July 12, 2021, Professor Dantani Ibrahim Wushishi has spearheaded a remarkable transformation of the organization. With a keen focus on infrastructure development, staff welfare, and examination integrity, his tenure has been marked by significant milestones that have redefined NECO’s operational framework.
A Commitment to Excellence
From the outset, Professor Wushishi conducted a thorough assessment of NECO’s facilities, unveiling critical areas in need of improvement. Disappointed by the dilapidated state of infrastructure across the organization, he wasted no time in implementing policies that led to an impressive array of achievements over three years.
Key Achievements
- Successful Examination Administration
– Timely conduct and release of the 2021 and 2022 Senior School Certificate Examinations (SSCE) results, including for external candidates.
– Efficient organization and release of the 2022 National Common Entrance Examination (NCEE) results and the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) for JSS3 students.
- Infrastructure Development
– Significant upgrades to NECO’s facilities, including the construction of classrooms and the installation of boreholes to serve local communities as part of corporate social responsibility.
– Procurement of operational vehicles and computer systems across all states to enhance examination logistics and administrative efficiency.
- Technological Innovations
– Development of ICT software for staff postings, fostering a fair and transparent work environment.
– Introduction of stanine software for determining grade boundaries, marking a significant modernization in examination processes.
- Staff Welfare and Engagement
– Instituted a reward system to recognize outstanding staff performance, alongside the timely payment of transfer allowances and welfare entitlements for retirees.
– Launched an e-library and a statistics and data analysis studio to promote professional development and improve job efficiency.
- Community Engagement and Social Responsibility
– Initiated community skills development programs and provided essential amenities like solar security lights and transformers to local communities, reinforcing NECO’s commitment to its host communities.
- International Collaborations and Recognition
– Successfully accredited the Nigeria International School in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, as an international NECO examination center.
– Active participation in international conferences, including the 40th Annual Conference of the Association for Educational Assessment in Africa.
Looking Ahead
As NECO continues to evolve under Professor Wushishi’s leadership, the emphasis on transparency, innovation, and community engagement remains a cornerstone of its mission. The unveiling of new digital tools, such as the NECO e-verify App for result verification, signals a forward-thinking approach that promises to enhance the examination process further.
Conclusion
Professor Dantani Ibrahim Wushishi’s tenure as Registrar/Chief Executive has not only revitalized NECO but also positioned it as a model of excellence in educational assessment. With a strong foundation laid over the past three years, the future looks bright for NECO as it continues to advance educational standards across Nigeria.
