Nigeria Lawmakers to make NECO compulsory
July 07, 2023
Original Article:
A bill for an Act to Repeal the National Examinations Council (NECO) Act 2004, has passed second reading on the floor of the house of Representatives.
Leading the debate on the general principles of the bill, the sponsor Prof Julius Ihonvbere, explained that this would make NECO National Common Entrance Examination (NCEE), the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BSCE) and the Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (Internal) (SSCE) compulsory for every Nigerian Child.
Prof Ihonvbere said it would also Provide for the Removal of Clause, “without prejudice to the existing Powers and Function of the West African Examinations Council (WAEC)” from the Act and to design the scope of the Power and Functions of the Governing Board of the Council.
“Mr Speaker, the urge to repeal the old Act is an idea borne out of the need to strengthen the National Examination Council to enable it shoulder the burden of delivering, not only standard examinations that are competitive in nature, but also to meet with the best practice the world over.
The lawmaker, who is the chairman house committee on basic education, noted that the Council in the course of its activities has encountered certain challenges that have continued to impede its ability to optimally deliver on its mandate.