‘An important institution’ — IBB, Abdulsalami commend Wushishi for putting NECO in rightful place

Ibrahim Babangida and Abdulsalami Abubakar, the former heads of state, have commended Ibrahim Wushishi, registrar of the National Examinations Council (NECO), for reforming the examination body. 

In a statement signed by Azeez Sani, NECO’s acting spokesperson, the former leaders spoke when they hosted Wushishi and the management team of NECO in their separate homes in Minna, Niger state.

Babangida and Abdulsalami called on Nigerians to continue to support the examination body, noting that it is crucial to the educational development of the country.

During his visit to IBB, Wushishi said he has been able to address the infrastructural challenges inherited upon the assumption of office.

The NECO registrar said he has been able to “judiciously utilise the council’s resources and initiated laudable reforms”.

The former military president expressed delight over the various reforms initiated by Wushishi to “place NECO on the world map”.

“I am quite impressed with what you have been able to achieve since your assumption of office, NECO is an important institution which has a great role to play in the educational development of Nigeria,” Babangida said.

“I, therefore, urge you and your management not to relent in your efforts in sustaining this very important Government institution.”

On his part, Abdulsalami praised the NECO registrar for strengthening the council as a formidable examination body to be reckoned with.

“I don’t know whether to commiserate with you or to commend you in view of the pathetic picture you have presented when you assumed Office,” he said.

“I will however commend you for your ability to overcome these challenges and for putting NECO in its rightful place among the comity of examination bodies in the world.”

The NECO management also visited the palace of Umar Farouq Bahago, the Emir of Minna.

NECO was established in April 1999 under the administration of Abdulsalami.

In July 2021, former President Muhammadu Buhari appointed Wushishi as the new registrar and chief executive officer (CEO) of the examination body.