Award-winning schools from the United Kingdom are set to host the highly anticipated UK Boarding Schools Week in Abuja and Lagos this January, offering Nigerian families insights into world-class educational opportunities abroad.
The exhibition, organized by Mark Brooks Education in collaboration with the UK’s Department for Business and Trade, will take place at Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, and The Wheatbaker Hotel, Ikoyi, Lagos, from Thursday, January 16 to Sunday, January 19, 2025.
Marking 17 years of fostering educational connections between the UK and Nigeria, the event will showcase top-tier boarding schools renowned for academic excellence, pastoral care, and inclusive environments for Nigerian students.
Participating institutions include Aldro Preparatory School, Bromsgrove School, Cardiff Sixth Form College, Concord College, Glenalmond College, Lancing College, Malvern St James Girls’ School, and Queen Ethelburga’s Collegiate. Others are St Peter’s School, York, The King’s School, Canterbury, and Wellington School.
Head of Concord College, Dr. Michael Truss, commended Nigerian students for their outstanding performance, saying, “Nigerian students thrive here, consistently achieving top A-level grades and securing admissions to prestigious universities.”
Diana Cree of Lancing College praised Nigerian students for their determination and leadership qualities, adding, “Three Nigerian upper-sixth students have excelled in academics, sports, and debating, earning leadership roles.”
Henrietta Lightwood from Cardiff Sixth Form College highlighted the impressive academic progression of Nigerian students, citing examples of admissions to MIT and Cambridge University.
Mark Brooks, Founder of Mark Brooks Education, emphasized the exhibition’s role in helping parents secure outstanding education for their children.
“These events allow families to explore how UK schools can support academic and personal growth. Many schools now have Nigerian students serving as head boys or girls, reflecting their impact and success,” he said.
The exhibition promises parents and guardians a comprehensive platform to engage directly with school representatives and chart pathways to exceptional educational futures for their children.

The National Examinations Council (NECO) has expanded its international reach by accrediting additional foreign schools in Niger Republic and Equatorial Guinea to conduct its Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) and Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE).
These newly accredited schools will join those in Saudi Arabia, which previously secured NECO’s accreditation, to begin writing the examinations starting next year.

NECO’s Director of Information and Public Relations, Mallam Azeez Sani, announced this in a statement issued on Saturday in Minna. He said the initiative reflects NECO’s commitment to broadening its horizons and establishing a global presence.

Thorough Accreditation Process
According to Sani, NECO’s Accreditation Team visited the schools to assess their readiness for the examinations.
The evaluation process included inspections of classrooms, laboratories, libraries, computer labs, workshops, examination halls, and sports facilities.

“After a comprehensive assessment, the schools were granted full accreditation status for both SSCE and BECE,” he said.

This expansion, he added, highlights NECO’s dedication to delivering quality education assessments that transcend Nigeria’s borders, offering opportunities for students to benefit from its expertise and standards.

Strengthening Regional Impact
The council’s growing influence has made it a key player in Africa’s education sector. Currently, NECO examinations are being conducted in several countries, including Benin Republic, Togo, Côte d’Ivoire, Niger Republic, Equatorial Guinea, and Saudi Arabia.

NECO also disclosed that the ongoing NECO SSCE External Examination is being conducted at the UNHCR School in Diffa, Niger Republic—the first NECO SSCE External Centre outside Nigeria.
The council reiterated its commitment to advancing education on the continent and beyond. “With its expanding global presence, NECO is poised to become a leading examination body in Africa, fostering educational excellence and contributing to the development of the education sector across the region,” the statement read.

This international accreditation further reinforces NECO’s standing as a credible examination body, providing students worldwide with access to reliable and standard assessments.

The Senate has reaffirmed its commitment to making Nigeria a beacon of educational excellence, emphasizing the critical role of education in driving national progress.

This pledge was made on Thursday during a public hearing organized by the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFund to discuss two bills: The Federal Polytechnic Onueke, Ezza South, Ebonyi (Establishment) Bill, 2024 and The Alvan Ikoku Federal University of Education, Owerri (Establishment) Bill, 2024

Representing the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, Senator Titus Zam (Benue North West) highlighted the Senate’s dedication to fostering inclusive and sustainable development through education.

“Education remains a cornerstone for national progress,” Senator Zam noted. “Its accessibility to all Nigerians, irrespective of geographical or socio-economic status, is a priority for this Senate.”

He emphasized that the input of stakeholders at the hearing would underscore a shared resolve to strengthen Nigeria’s educational framework, expand opportunities for intellectual growth, and provide technical and vocational training for the nation’s youth.

Akpabio, through Senator Zam, assured Nigerians of the Senate’s dedication to legislative measures that promote equity, national growth, and prosperity.

Chairman of the Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFund, Senator Muntari Dandutse, explained that the Federal Polytechnic Onueke Bill aims to bolster technical and vocational education, aligning with the government’s efforts to reduce unemployment and enhance socio-economic conditions.

Similarly, Senator Kenneth Eze (Ebonyi Central), sponsor of the Federal Polytechnic Onueke Bill, emphasized that the institution would address pressing challenges in the labor market by focusing on skill-based education, ICT, and applied sciences.

“This initiative represents a paradigm shift for a nation grappling with high unemployment rates. It is a step toward advancing human capital development and securing a brighter future for Nigerian youths, particularly those in Ebonyi State,” Senator Eze said.

The Senate reiterated its commitment to legislative initiatives aimed at strengthening the education sector and creating opportunities for skill acquisition and intellectual development. By supporting these bills, the Senate seeks to position Nigeria as a global leader in education and human capital development.