The National Examinations Council (NECO) has recognized the exceptional contributions of its staff, retirees, and outstanding students during its 2024 Annual Staff Productivity Award Ceremony held on Thursday.
The Registrar of NECO, Prof. Ibrahim Wushishi, addressed the attendees, highlighting the importance of the event in fostering a culture of excellence, integrity, and disciplined service in Nigeria’s education system.
“This is a day of celebration, reflection, and renewed commitment. Excellence is the heartbeat of NECO because what we do forms the bedrock of individual development and the collective progress of our nation,” he stated.
Spark News Naija reports that the awards ceremony featured multiple categories to honor outstanding achievements, including the Outstanding Public Service Award for exceptional staff, the Lifetime Achievement Award for retirees, the Excellence in Integrity and Ethics Award for upholding transparency and accountability, and the Student Excellence Award for top candidates in various NECO examinations.
As part of the ceremony, NECO presented Certificates of Service to 45 retired staff members, acknowledging their dedication, loyalty, and years of service to the Council.
At the event, 61 staff members received recognition as the most hardworking and dedicated employees of the year, while 15 special awards were presented in various categories.
Significant accolades were also bestowed upon students in recognition of their academic achievements. Master Nwachukwu Victor Ikechukwu of St Paul’s Academy, Jos, and Miss Adeyemo Emmanuella Adedamola of Our God Reigns Crystal School, Oju-Ore, were named top candidates for the Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) in 2024. In the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) category, Master Charles Brian Uzoma and Miss Awanbor Omoriyekemwen Claire from Igbinedion Education Centre, Benin City, were honored. For the National Common Entrance Examination (NCEE), Master Balogun Farian Ajibola and Miss Iyasei Ifeanyichukwu Victory received awards.
Wushishi also praised the Council’s workforce, both past and present, describing them as “unsung heroes” whose daily efforts sustain NECO’s credibility.
He encouraged the award-winning students to continue their pursuit of knowledge, reminding all attendees that “a single ceremony does not define your potential.”
Hon. Yakubu Mohammed Kolo, the former Niger State Commissioner for Environment and Climate Change, served as the event’s chairman, praising NECO for establishing the awards.
“Such recognition reinforces the value of hard work in an era where public service is often undervalued.”
Kolo emphasized that the honorees’ achievements demonstrate that excellence is a choice and discipline, urging students to regard their recognition as the beginning of a lifelong pursuit of impact and knowledge.
The 2024 Annual Staff Productivity Award Ceremony not only celebrated individual achievements but also reinforced NECO’s commitment to excellence in Nigeria’s educational landscape.