The idea that gave birth to ACSN started among the founders of Two Christian schools in Plateau State. The idea was brainstormed on to provide a formidable alternative to the drab system we follow in our nation as regards Christian Education. Whereas the government has very good policies and standards that could turn our educational system around for good, we could not see this happening. Acsn is therefore a Christian alternative to the present fallen standard in our Nation. Early in 1996, discussions commenced out of deep concerns for the waning standard of Education and integrity in the nation. The need for an organization that would accredit Christian schools as well as bring them together to speak with one voice and to continually strive for excellence and quality output was felt. There is such great power in working together that Christian Proprietors, Administrators, Educators and Schools cannot ignore any further. As all Christian Institutions come together and take advantage of their common language, vision, political and religious unity nothing can be impossible for them to achieve. (Lev 26:8, Genesis 11:6)

On the 8th November, 1996, the Board of refence of a Christian school in Plateau state mandated its Principals to convene a meeting of principals of four (4) other Christian schools to brainstorm on the dream/ Idea. The meeting was held and further contacts were made with Principals and Proprietors of other Christian schools. Consequently, on the 16th July, 1997, the first formal meeting was held under the auspices of JME, (Joint Mock Examinations) with only four (4) schools in attendance. Several issues were discussed which eventually formed a substantial part of the composition of Paper I & II.

Furthermore, on the 26th November, 1997, Joint Mock Examination met with Rev. (Dr.) Canon Bayo Famonure, Prof. Timothy Gyuse, and Late Rev. Canon Isa Lar to hear firsthand information about the dream for a body like this to be established. Subsequently EXCO member were elected to run the Principals Forum and Joint Mock Examination working Committee (JMEWC) consisting of Vice principals, examination Officers, Dean of studies was formed to handle all examination matters.

In March, 1998 the first Joint Mock Examination was conducted for the SS3 students. A total of six schools participated, later in the year, in June 1998, the first Joint Mock Examination for JSS 3 students was conducted with 8 schools taking part in the examination. The first major Joint Meeting of the Principals and Proprietors was held on the 15th February, 2001 at the Catholic Bishop Courts, Jos, where the need for a functional Secretariat was stressed by the then Chairman, Mrs. R. M Mannok.