Kano State has emerged as the leading performer in the 2026 Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) conducted by the National Examinations Council (NECO). The state recorded 74,413 candidates who obtained at least five credits, including English Language and Mathematics. This achievement places Kano ahead of other states, with Lagos ranking second with 72,496 candidates and Oyo ranking third with 55,543 candidates.
This is the second consecutive year that Kano has topped the NECO national performance chart. In 2025, the state also recorded the highest number of candidates with five credits, including English and Mathematics. The state's sustained investment in education has been cited as a key factor in this achievement. The state's performance has been commended by various stakeholders, including the governor.
Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, has commended the students, teachers, parents, and other stakeholders for their outstanding performance. He noted that the back-to-back performance is an indication that the state's sustained investment in education is producing measurable results. The governor's administration has prioritized education through increased funding, improved learning facilities, teacher recruitment and training, scholarships, and support for indigent students.
The state government spent over N4.4 billion in 2026 to sponsor candidates for the Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination, particularly indigent students from the state. This investment in education has contributed to the state's success in the NECO rankings. The governor has assured the people of Kano that his administration will continue to prioritize education.
The 2026 NECO SSCE results show that 84.7% of candidates scored five credits, while 58.67% passed English and Mathematics. These results demonstrate the overall performance of students in the country. Kano's achievement in the NECO rankings is a significant milestone for the state.
The state's success in education has been attributed to the government's efforts to improve the sector. The governor's administration has implemented various initiatives aimed at enhancing education, including teacher recruitment and training, and support for indigent students. These initiatives have contributed to the state's success in the NECO rankings.
The governor's administration has also implemented other initiatives aimed at promoting education and reducing poverty. For example, the government recently spent N1.5 billion on a mass wedding, which was officiated by the governor. Additionally, the governor has been involved in other initiatives aimed at promoting education and economic development in the state.
Key points
- Kano State has topped the 2026 NECO SSCE rankings with 74,413 candidates scoring five credits including English and Mathematics.
- This is the second consecutive year that Kano has topped the NECO national performance chart.
- The state government spent over N4.4 billion in 2026 to sponsor candidates for the Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination.
