On 7 May 2026, Dr. Mafu S. Rakometsi, President of the International Association for Educational Assessment (IAEA) participated in the 25th Anniversary Celebrations of the National Examinations Council (NECO) of Nigeria. The invitation to participate in this milestone celebration reflects the growing global recognition of the IAEA, as well as the standing of African quality assurance and assessment institutions in international assessment discourse.
NECO is one of Nigeria’s principal national assessment bodies, responsible for conducting large-scale examinations and issuing certifications. The celebration of its 25th anniversary marked an important milestone in the development of public examinations and educational assessment systems in Nigeria and across Africa. The anniversary celebrations brought together senior government officials, leaders of examination bodies, academics, policymakers, and education and assessment stakeholders from Nigeria and other countries.
Dr. Mafu S. Rakometsi delivered an official congratulatory message during the anniversary program. In his address, Dr. Rakometsi congratulated NECO on reaching its silver jubilee and acknowledged the institution’s contribution to educational assessment, certification, and nation-building in Nigeria over the past twenty-five years. The speech reflected on several key themes, including the strategic role of assessment bodies, assessment as a public good, African leadership, and collaboration.
His speech acknowledged the growing maturity and leadership of African assessment institutions and encouraged stronger continental cooperation among examination councils and quality assurance bodies. The address commended NECO for its continued commitment to maintaining standards in a complex and evolving educational environment. Recognition was also given to the staff, leadership, and stakeholders who contributed to the institution’s development over the past twenty-five years. The NECO 25th anniversary celebrations provided an important platform for engagement with leaders in educational assessment and reaffirmed the importance of credible and trusted examination systems in advancing educational development.
The visit further strengthened professional and institutional ties between African assessment bodies and highlighted the increasing influence of African institutions in shaping global conversations on educational assessment and quality assurance.
