Prof. Abubakar Mohammed, a former Chairman of the National Examination Council (NECO) Board, has accused the Federal Government and officials of the Ministry of Education of obstructing the efforts of the council.
Mohammed alleged that officials withdrew N6 billion in examination fees and have failed to account for it.
Speaking at the NECO Award Ceremony in Minna, Niger State, Mohammed asserted, “The government and especially some officials in the Ministry of Education are out to sabotage the indigenous examination body. I do not owe anyone any apology for my statement; some government officials don’t want NECO to exist.”
He claimed that officials withdrew N6 billion from NECO’s accounts, and to date, the money has not been returned, with no explanation provided.
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Additionally, Mohammed stated that the Federal Government has not released funds as a subvention to the council.
According to Mohammed, there was an agreement on how NECO and the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) should rotate the conduct of their examinations.
However, he alleged that government officials favored WAEC, leading to the regional body permanently conducting its exams between May and June.
Mohammed asserted that those against NECO within the government and the ministry were using the Orosanye report to stifle the organization.
Despite the challenges, he noted that NECO has gained recognition beyond Africa, with educational institutions outside the continent preferring NECO examination results.
The current NECO registrar, Prof. Danlami Wushishi, announced the introduction of scholarships for candidates excelling in the gifted children examination.
He commended the dedication of NECO staff, stating, “My staff has not failed me.”
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