Kano state has emerged as the top 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 marks the second consecutive year Kano has maintained the top position on the NECO performance chart.
Lagos and Oyo states ranked second and third, respectively, with 72,496 and 55,543 candidates meeting the benchmark. The ranking is based on the number of candidates who obtained five credits, including English Language and Mathematics, rather than the percentage pass rate or average performance of students in each state. This approach provides a clear measure of the number of students excelling in key subjects.
Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf attributed the state's success to its investment in education. The governor congratulated students, teachers, parents, and other stakeholders, highlighting the state's focus on funding, improving learning facilities, recruiting and training teachers, providing scholarships, and supporting students from disadvantaged backgrounds. These efforts have contributed to the improvement recorded in the education sector.
The Kano State Government spent over ₦4.4 billion in 2026 to sponsor candidates for the Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination, particularly students who may have struggled to afford examination fees. This investment demonstrates the state's commitment to ensuring that its students have equal opportunities to succeed. By supporting students financially, the government has helped to increase the number of candidates meeting the benchmark.
The NECO SSCE is one of Nigeria's major secondary school examinations, assessing students at the end of their senior secondary education and serving as one of the qualifications used for further academic pursuits. The examination plays a crucial role in determining students' future academic and career prospects. As such, the performance of students in this examination is closely monitored by stakeholders.
Governor Yusuf's administration has prioritized education, recognizing its importance in the development of the state and the country. The state's continued focus on education has yielded positive results, with Kano maintaining its top position for the second consecutive year. This achievement is a testament to the effectiveness of the state's education policies and programs.
The ranking of states based on NECO performance highlights the need for other states to learn from Kano's success. By investing in education and implementing supportive policies, other states can also improve their performance and provide more opportunities for their students to succeed. As Nigeria continues to prioritize education, the performance of students in NECO examinations will remain a key indicator of progress.
Key points
- Kano state recorded 74,413 candidates who obtained at least five credits, including English Language and Mathematics, in the 2026 NECO SSCE.
- Lagos and Oyo states ranked second and third, respectively, with 72,496 and 55,543 candidates meeting the benchmark.
- Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf attributed the state's success to its investment in education, including funding, teacher training, and support for students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
