Kano State has emerged as the leading state in the 2026 Senior School Certificate Examination conducted by the National Examinations Council. A total of 74,413 candidates obtained at least five credits, including English Language and Mathematics. This achievement marks the second consecutive year Kano has recorded the highest number of candidates meeting the five-credit benchmark.
Lagos and Oyo states followed Kano in the rankings, with 72,496 and 55,543 candidates obtaining five credits, respectively. The results, released by the National Examinations Council, indicate that Kano's investment in education is yielding positive outcomes. Governor Abba Yusuf congratulated students, teachers, parents, and stakeholders on the achievement.
Governor Yusuf attributed the success to the state's sustained investment in education, which has included increased funding, improved learning facilities, teacher recruitment and training, scholarships, and support for indigent students. In 2026, the state spent over N4.4 billion sponsoring candidates for the Senior School Certificate Examination, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
The governor emphasized that education has consistently received one of the largest allocations in Kano's budgets under his administration. In 2025, the sector was allocated N168.35 billion, representing 31 percent of the budget. For 2026, the state allocated N405.35 billion to education, accounting for about 30 percent of its N1.48 trillion budget.
Governor Yusuf dedicated the achievement to students, teachers, parents, and residents of Kano State, pledging to sustain interventions aimed at improving learning outcomes. The state's education sector has seen significant investments, extending beyond examination sponsorship to classroom renovation, teacher recruitment and training, and provision of learning materials.
According to the governor's spokesman, Sunusi Bature Dawakin Tofa, Kano State has recorded over five million schoolchildren in the latest annual school census, highlighting the scale of the government's education responsibilities. The state aims to build an education system that equips young people with the knowledge and skills required for higher education, employment, innovation, and leadership.
The National Examinations Council's results demonstrate that Kano's efforts to prioritize education are producing measurable results. The state will continue to invest in education to ensure that its young people are well-prepared for the future.
Key points
- Kano State invested over N4.4 billion in sponsoring candidates for the Senior School Certificate Examination in 2026.
- Education received 30-31 percent of Kano State's budget in 2025 and 2026.
- Kano State recorded over five million schoolchildren in the latest annual school census.
