Kano State has once again taken the top spot in the 2026 Senior School Certificate Examination conducted by the National Examinations Council (NECO). According to a statement issued by the governor's spokesperson, Sanusi Bature, Kano recorded 74,413 candidates who obtained at least five credits, including English Language and Mathematics. This achievement marks the second consecutive year Kano has topped the NECO performance chart.
The 2026 NECO results show that Kano outperformed other states, with Lagos recording 72,496 candidates and Oyo with 55,543 candidates. Kano's consistent performance is attributed to the state's sustained investment in education. Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf's administration has prioritized education through increased funding, improved learning facilities, teacher recruitment and training, scholarships, and support for indigent students.
Reacting to the result, Governor Yusuf congratulated the students, teachers, parents, and other stakeholders. He described the back-to-back performance as evidence that the state's investment in education was producing measurable results. The governor emphasized his administration's commitment to continued investment in the education sector.
In 2026, the state government spent more than N4.4 billion to sponsor candidates for the Senior School Certificate Examination, particularly indigent students. This intervention aimed to remove financial barriers and ensure that students participated in the examinations under better conditions. The governor noted that education had consistently received a significant share of the state's budget under his administration.
The allocation to education in the 2025 budget was N168.35 billion, representing 31 percent of the total budget. For 2026, the state allocated N405.35 billion to education out of the N1.478 trillion total budget. The investment in education also covered classroom renovation, recruitment and training of teachers, learning materials, uniforms, scholarships, and other interventions.
Governor Yusuf dedicated the latest NECO achievement to the people of Kano, particularly students, teachers, and parents. He assured that his administration would sustain its investment in the education sector. The goal is to build an education system capable of equipping young people with the knowledge and skills required for higher education, employment, innovation, and leadership.
The governor's commitment to education is reflected in the state's budget allocation. With Kano's consistent performance in the NECO examinations, the state is setting a positive example for other states to follow. The government's investment in education is expected to have a long-term impact on the state's development and the lives of its citizens.
Key points
- Kano State has topped the 2026 NECO performance chart for the second consecutive year.
- The state government spent more than N4.4 billion in 2026 to sponsor candidates for the Senior School Certificate Examination.
- Education received a significant share of the state's budget, with N405.35 billion allocated in 2026.
