Kano State has emerged as the top performer in the 2026 National Examination Council of Nigeria (NECO) rankings, with 74,413 candidates obtaining at least five credits, including English Language and Mathematics. This achievement marks the second consecutive year that Kano has topped the NECO national performance chart, solidifying its position as a leader in education. The state's consistent performance is attributed to its sustained investment in education.
Lagos and Oyo follow closely in the rankings, with 72,496 and 55,543 candidates obtaining five credits, respectively. Governor Abba Yusuf has commended the students, teachers, parents, and stakeholders for their outstanding performance. He stated that the state's back-to-back performance is an indication that its investment in education is producing measurable results.
Governor Yusuf's administration has prioritized education through increased funding, improved learning facilities, teacher recruitment and training, scholarships, and support for indigent students. In 2026, the state government spent over N4.4 billion to sponsor candidates for the Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
The governor emphasized that education has consistently received the largest share of Kano State's budget under his administration, exceeding the UNESCO benchmark. In 2024, education accounted for about 29.95 per cent of the state budget, increasing to 31 per cent in 2025, and N405.35 billion in 2026, representing about 30 per cent of the total budget.
The state's investment in education extends beyond examination sponsorship to include classroom renovation, teacher recruitment, learning materials, uniforms, scholarships, and other interventions aimed at improving the quality of education. These efforts have garnered recognition at national and international levels, with Kano becoming a leading hub for education reform in sub-Saharan Africa.
Governor Yusuf has received several awards for his contributions to education, including the Leadership Newspaper Governor of the Year Award for Education in 2024 and recognition from New Telegraph, Nigeria Union of Teachers, and other publications. The administration has also received international recognition for its commitment to education.
The governor's objective is to build an education system capable of providing Kano's young people with the knowledge and skills required for higher education, employment, innovation, and leadership. With over five million school children recorded in the last annual school census, Kano is poised to continue its trajectory as a leader in education.
Key points
- Kano State has topped the NECO rankings for the second consecutive year with 74,413 students passing with five credits.
- The state government has prioritized education through increased funding and interventions aimed at improving the quality of education.
- Governor Yusuf's administration has received national and international recognition for its commitment to education reform.
