The release of the 2026 Senior School Certificate Examination results by the National Examinations Council (NECO) has highlighted the progress made in Kano State's education sector. For the second consecutive year, Kano recorded the largest absolute number of candidates nationwide who obtained at least five credits, including English Language and Mathematics. This achievement is a testament to the state's sustained investment in education.
In 2025, Kano recorded 68,159 candidates meeting the benchmark, while in 2026, the figure increased to 74,413, representing an additional 6,254 successful candidates, or approximately 9.2 per cent year-on-year growth. This improvement is significant, especially considering Kano's large school-age population and examination cohorts. The state's commitment to education is evident in its budgetary allocation, with education accounting for approximately 29.95 per cent of the state budget in 2024.
The Kano State government has demonstrated its prioritization of education through consistent budget allocations. In 2025, about N168.35 billion, representing roughly 31 per cent of the budget, was allocated to education. For 2026, approximately N405.35 billion, around 30 per cent of the state’s spending plan, was allocated to the sector. Such sustained financing is crucial for education transformation.
Another key intervention is the sponsorship of examination fees for low-income families. In 2025, more than N3 billion was approved for examination registration support covering approximately 141,000 students across qualifying examinations. In 2026, approximately N4.4 billion was committed to examination fees for more than 150,000 students. This initiative helps reduce the likelihood that poverty becomes a barrier between years of schooling and certification.
The recruitment and deployment of teachers remain critical to the education system. In September 2025, Kano announced the absorption of 4,315 former BESDA volunteer teachers into permanent and pensionable employment. In July 2026, appointment letters were presented to 8,588 teachers, comprising 4,900 newly recruited and trained teachers and 3,688 BESDA teachers. Effective deployment and continuous professional development are essential, particularly for rural communities and underserved schools.
Infrastructure development has also received attention, with reported interventions including more than N1.9 billion for renovation of primary school classrooms and approximately N2.925 billion for additional classroom construction. The distribution of 73,800 three-seat desks across the 44 local government areas and large-scale provision of school uniforms are also noteworthy. These investments can make a significant difference to children from low-income households.
Partnerships have contributed significantly to Kano’s education reforms, with federal institutions and development partners supporting areas such as infrastructure, foundational literacy and numeracy, teacher development, and learning materials. To further strengthen the education sector, Kano should protect education financing, enhance transparency around budget releases and expenditure, and prioritize teacher quality through continuous professional development.
Key points
- Kano State recorded 74,413 candidates with five credits in the 2026 NECO examination.
- Education accounted for approximately 30 per cent of Kano State's budget in 2026.
- Kano State government sponsored examination fees for over 150,000 students in 2026.
