The National Examinations Council (NECO) has credited the resilience of its workforce for the uninterrupted conduct of examinations despite security challenges, including Boko Haram insurgency, banditry, kidnapping and sit-at-home orders.

The Registrar of NECO, Prof. Ibrahim Wushishi, stated this on Wednesday in Minna, Niger State, at the council’s 2025 Annual Staff Productivity Award Ceremony.

Wushishi described NECO employees as the “army of NECO”, saying their commitment had enabled the council to conduct examinations and distribute logistics as scheduled despite security threats.

“During the heydays of Boko Haram, the activities of Boko Haram have never stopped NECO’s examinations. Banditry has never stopped NECO examinations. Kidnapping has never stopped NECO examinations. Sit-at-home orders have never stopped NECO examinations.

“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 productivity awards were aimed at recognising exceptional performance, motivating staff and promoting a culture of improved service delivery across the council.

He said the 2025 awards covered dedicated staff across the registrar’s office, departments, zonal directorates, 36 state offices, the liaison and LCT offices, as well as state coordinators, drivers and retirees.

Wushishi also recognised outstanding students, describing them as the ultimate beneficiaries of NECO’s work and commending their hard work, discipline and perseverance.

He urged staff to uphold integrity, teamwork, and continuous self-improvement while acknowledging stakeholders’ contributions to the council’s operations.

Also speaking, the Chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on Aviation, Abdullahi Garba, said the awards went beyond recognising individuals, as they were designed to boost morale, encourage excellence and strengthen confidence in the examination system.

Garba said examination credibility depended largely on the commitment, competence and integrity of personnel responsible for conducting the examinations.

He urged NECO staff to draw inspiration from the recognition and ensure that their work remained guided by fairness, transparency, accountability and efficiency.

At the ceremony, NECO honoured its Cross River State Coordinator, Ruth Nnamani, as the Best State Coordinator of the Year.

The award for best performance went to Tabitha Kopdungha of Plateau State, Garba Sandy of Niger State and Rabiu Yakubu of Kaduna State.

The council also presented certificates of service to 55 staff retirees for 2025 in recognition of their years of commitment and dedication.

Among those honoured were the former Director of Registration, Hajara Ali; Director of South-South Zone, Irem Obiahu; Director of Test Development, Michael Okei; and Acting Director of South-East Zone, Samuel Adiniyi.

Awards were also presented to the six zonal directors, the FCT Liaison Office and coordinators of the council’s 36 state offices and Abuja.

In the student categories, Akai Bernice Kuyet and Eke Felix Emenike of School Sense, Barnawa, Kaduna State, emerged as female and male winners of the Senior School Certificate Examination award, respectively.

Michael Daniela Chiamaka of Christland High School, Ikeja, Lagos, and Salihu Amir Umar of Kadwel International Schools, Kaduna, won the female and male categories of the Basic Education Certificate Examination.

For the National Gifted Examination, Ezeundu Samuel Akachukwu of God’s Wisdom International School, Anambra, won the male category, while Ubochi Akunnaya of Diamond Special Schools, Owerri, won the female category.

Alocha Naeto Daniel of Remmon Home Academy won the male category of the National Common Entrance, while Adenuga Monsurat Feyisara of Ar-Rahman Montessori School, Ojota, won the female category. (The Nation)