Kano State has emerged as the top performer in the 2026 National Examinations Council (NECO) Senior School Certificate Examination. The state's impressive results, with 74,413 candidates achieving at least five credits, including English Language and Mathematics, have surpassed those of major education hubs like Lagos and Oyo. This achievement marks a significant milestone for Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf's administration, which has prioritized education since taking office.
The 2026 NECO results demonstrate a notable improvement in Kano's education sector. Compared to 2025, when 68,159 candidates met the same standard, this year's figure represents a 9.2 per cent increase, with 6,254 more candidates achieving the benchmark. This upward trend is a testament to the effectiveness of Governor Yusuf's education reforms, which have been backed by substantial budget allocations. Education has consistently been the largest single sectoral priority in the state's budget, with 31 per cent of the approved 2025 and 2026 budgets allocated to the sector.
Governor Yusuf's administration has implemented various initiatives to improve the education sector. These include the construction of over 1,800 new classrooms, renovation of over 2,500 existing ones, and the reopening of previously closed boarding schools. Additionally, the government has provided over 150,000 units of seats for students and pupils, recruited over 18,600 teachers, and invested in continuous teacher training and development. These efforts have created an enabling environment for students to succeed.
Kano's achievement is particularly significant given the state's large number of public schools. With over 9,000 public schools, Kano has a substantial education infrastructure, far surpassing Lagos, which has approximately 2,000 public schools. The state's success in the NECO rankings is a reflection of the government's commitment to improving education and creating opportunities for its citizens.
While the current achievement is a foundation for future growth, Governor Yusuf's administration aims to extend its ambitions beyond minimum-benchmark pass rates. The next phase of development will focus on achieving stronger grades and deeper performance in core subjects, improving completion rates across the education pipeline, and increasing access to tertiary education. The government has already taken steps in this direction, including the establishment of a new polytechnic in Gaya and strengthened science and technical education.
The true objective of education investment, according to Governor Yusuf's administration, is to develop human capital. This involves equipping children with knowledge, skills, and employability, ultimately transforming lives and shaping the future of the state. By prioritizing education and investing in its development, Kano's government is laying the groundwork for a more sustainable and prosperous future.
As Kano celebrates its success in the NECO rankings, the administration acknowledges that there is still more work to be done. The real measure of an education legacy is not just the number of children passing exams, but the number of lives transformed by the opportunity to learn. With a strong foundation in place, Kano's education story is poised to continue its upward trajectory, with a focus on creating a better future for its citizens.
Key points
- Kano State has topped the NECO rankings with 74,413 candidates achieving five credits, including English and Mathematics.
- Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf's administration has prioritized education, allocating 31 per cent of the state's budget to the sector.
- The government has implemented various initiatives to improve education, including constructing new classrooms, recruiting teachers, and investing in teacher training.
