The Spotlight of the NECO 5 years Under Professor Dantani Ibrahim Wushishi as the Registrar/C E O, and the Need to Renew his Tenure.
By YAKUBU MUSTAPHA BINA
Professor Dantani Ibrahim Wushishi, a Professor of Science Education, was appointed as the Registrar/Chief Executive Officer of the National Examinations Council (NECO) on 12th July 2021 and assumed office on 26th July 2021. Upon assumption of office, Professor Wushishi undertook a critical assessment of NECO’s facilities to ascertain their condition and functionality.
He subsequently initiated policies that have brought about a positive turnaround in the Council. As the saying goes, “The beauty of flying like an eagle is the ability to soar without looking back.”
He did not hide his disappointment at the state of decay and the absence of adequate infrastructure at the headquarters, across the 36 states, and the FCT offices. As a result, he fast-tracked action plans to correct these anomalies and enhance effective and efficient service delivery as mandated to the Council.
Professor Wushishi’s cool-headedness, politeness, calmness, openness, integrity, trustworthiness, magnanimity, empathy, fear of God, and inclusive leadership style have significantly contributed to earning the support, understanding, and cooperation of staff and stakeholders, leading to the successes recorded during his first five years in office.
Similarly, his non-discriminatory approach to issues, patriotism, straightforward personality, selfless service, as well as his commitment to transparency and accountability, have formed the bedrock of his leadership. These qualities have helped him withstand and overcome attempts to tarnish his reputation built over the years. As it is often said, “History is a gallery of pictures in which there are few originals and many copies.”
Professor Dantani Ibrahim Wushishi is the first indigenous Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of NECO from Niger State, a source of pride to Nigerlites. He is a hardworking and reliable academic, a seasoned administrator, and a disciplined individual. He was born on 5th April 1965 in Wushishi Local Government Area of Niger State.
He attended Central Primary School, Wushishi from 1973 to 1979, and later proceeded to Government Science College, Izom, where he completed his secondary education between 1979 and 1984. He obtained the Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) from Niger State College of Education, Minna, in 1987.
In 1988, he attended the Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS) Akaso, Borikiri, Port Harcourt, where he obtained a Naval Training Certificate. He later earned his Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Ph.D. degrees in Science Education (Chemistry) from Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto, in 1998, 2001, and 2005 respectively.
Professor Wushishi, known for his tolerance and accommodating nature, served as a lecturer at Usmanu Danfodiyo University between April 2004 and August 2008 before transferring to the Federal University of Technology, Minna, in August 2008. He became an Associate Professor in 2014 and served as Head of the Department of Science Education. He also served as Head of Department at Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai (IBBUL), between 2015 and 2017 while on sabbatical. Prior to his appointment as NECO Registrar, he was a Professor of Science Education (Chemistry) at the Federal University of Technology, Minna. As the saying goes, “It is not about how long, but how well.”
He has numerous scholarly publications to his credit, with over 70 journal articles. He has served on more than 30 university boards and committees in various capacities, including Sub-Dean of the School of Science and Science Education at FUT Minna and Vice-Chairperson of ASUU FUT Minna. He has also served as a Visiting Professor at IBBUL and as an External Examiner to several universities, including the University of South Africa. He is a patron to many student associations and has received over 47 awards from reputable institutions within and outside Nigeria. As noted, “Experience teaches slowly and at the cost of mistakes, while knowledge advances step by step.”
Professor Wushishi is an erudite scholar and a seasoned administrator, no wonder, his vast experience have continued to push him beyond expectations. His eloquence and logical reasoning captivate his audience. Though a good listener, he avoids unnecessary rhetoric, believing strongly in facts. These qualities have endeared him to admirers within and outside NECO.
Since assuming office, he has initiated a series of reforms aligned with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aimed at achieving the Federal Government’s educational objectives. As a pragmatic leader, he has continued to contribute significantly to the development of Nigeria’s education system.
Under his leadership, NECO has worked tirelessly to improve the conduct of its examinations and ensure the realization of its mandate. His vision is to make NECO an internationally recognized examination body.
Professor Wushishi is a distinguished patriot and committed public servant whose life exemplifies selflessness, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to societal advancement, particularly in the education sector. His achievements over the past five years speak volumes. As it is said, “The art of leadership is saying no, not saying yes, because it is easy to say yes.”
The Council’s growing independence and financial discipline have unsettled certain interests accustomed to interference, yet these challenges have been effectively managed under his leadership. He remains deeply committed to his faith and is known for his simplicity and devotion.
Despite operating under significant pressure—including examination security, funding challenges, and maintaining credibility—NECO has remained consistent in service delivery. The Council conducts examinations for millions of candidates annually with minimal disruption, a commendable feat.
NECO’s financial records also show steady improvement in revenue remittance and transparency. A 2024 report by the Office of the Accountant-General ranked NECO among federal parastatals with commendable financial compliance—an achievement recorded during Professor Wushishi’s tenure. As the saying goes, “The best among mankind is he who benefits others.”
His administration has prioritized staff development through training and retraining, improved working conditions, and strengthened corporate social responsibility initiatives. These include community support services, youth sports development, and expansion beyond Nigeria’s borders.
Under his leadership, NECO has consistently conducted and released results for SSCE Internal and External examinations, the National Common Entrance Examination (NCEE), and the Basic Education Certificate Examination (BECE) in a timely and transparent manner. He also ensured smooth staff promotion exercises and secured government intervention funds to settle examiners and ad-hoc staff.
His achievements include the procurement of modern OMR scanning machines, computer systems for offices nationwide, e-library resources, and operational vehicles to enhance logistics. These and many more are documented in publicly available records.
In pursuit of international expansion, NECO examinations are now conducted in countries such as Togo, Benin Republic, Côte d’Ivoire, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Niger Republic, Saudi Arabia, and the United Kingdom. This expansion has been widely praised for enhancing NECO’s credibility globally.
Professor Wushishi has received numerous awards, including recognition from the Bureau of Public Service Reform for excellence in public service and education technology integration. He has also received traditional titles from within and outside Niger State.
As an educationist and academic, he remains committed to maintaining and improving examination standards through innovation. As the saying goes, “To avoid criticism, do nothing, say nothing, and be nothing.”
Professor Wushishi has demonstrated integrity, attention to detail, and inspiring leadership. His lifestyle reflects dedication, patriotism, and simplicity. His impactful achievements strongly justify the need for his reappointment for a second term to sustain the progress recorded by NECO. As the saying goes, “A good turn deserves another.” He is happily married and blessed with children.
YAKUBU MUSTAPHA BINA is a Journalist and Analyst in Minna Niger State.
