From Fred Ezeh (Abuja) and John Adams (Minna)
Former Nigerian leaders, Gen. Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (Rtd), and Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar (Rtd) have commended the Registrar of National Examinations Council (NECO) Prof Dantani Ibrahim Wushishi, for the various reforms that he has initiated since his assumption of office few years ago.
Similarly, the Emir of Minna, Alhaji Umar Farouq Bahago, also appreciated the transformative moves initiated by the management of NECO led by the Registrar, Prof Wushishi.
NECO spokesman, Azeez Sani, in a statement, yesterday, indicated that the former leaders made the commendation when Wushishi led the management of NECO on separate courtesy visits to the elder statesmen at their respective Hilltop mansions in Minna.
While speaking at the residence of Gen. Babangida, the Registrar, enumerated the various challenges which he inherited on assumption of duty, such as dearth of basic facilities like office furniture and equipment, absence of decent office accommodation in most states of the federation and low staff morale, among others.
He, however, disclosed that most of the challenges have been surmounted due to judicious use of resources and initiation of laudable reforms that have turned around the fortunes of the Council.
The former military president expressed delight over the various reforms initiated by the registrar, which had placed NECO on world map.
His words: “I am quite impressed with what you have been able to achieve since your assumption of office. NECO is an important institution, which has a great role to play in the educational development of Nigeria,
“I, therefore, urge you and your management not to relent in your efforts in sustaining this very important government institution.”
Similarly, Gen. Abdulsalami in his remarks said, “I don’t know whether to commiserate with you or to commend you in view of the pathetic picture you have presented when you assumed office.
“I will, however, commend your ability to overcome these challenges, and for putting NECO in its rightful place among the comity of examination bodies in the world,” Abdulsalami said.
He confirmed that his administration as military president established NECO in 1999, and expressed happiness that despite the initial teething problems, it has become a formidable examination body.
At the palace of the Emir of Minna, Alhaji Umar Farouq Bahago, the Registrar was commended for his ability to stem Staff agitation and restiveness.
The monarch expressed satisfaction with the performance of Wushishi, and declared that the people of Niger State were solidly behind him because he had not let down the state.