Kano Tops Nigerian States in 2026 NECO Examination as Governor Yusuf Commends Students

Kano State has emerged as the leading state in the 2026 Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) conducted by the National Examinations Council (NECO), recording the highest number of candidates who obtained at least five credits, including English Language and Mathematics.

According to figures released by the Kano State Government, 74,413 candidates in the state met the five-credit benchmark. Kano was followed by Lagos with 72,496 candidates, while Oyo State recorded 55,543 candidates.  

The achievement marks the second consecutive year that Kano has recorded the highest number of candidates meeting the benchmark, following its performance in the 2025 NECO examination.  

Reacting to the result, Kano State Governor, Abba Kabir Yusuf, commended the students, teachers, parents and other education stakeholders for their contributions to the achievement. The governor said the performance indicated that the state’s investments in education were producing measurable results.  

Yusuf reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to sustaining investment in the education sector through improved funding, upgraded learning facilities, teacher recruitment and training, scholarships and support for students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

The Kano State Government also disclosed that it spent more than ₦4.4 billion in 2026 to sponsor candidates for the Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination, particularly indigent students.  

The governor’s administration has continued to emphasise education as a key component of its development agenda, with earlier measures including the recruitment of 8,588 teachers in 2026 as part of efforts to strengthen teaching and learning across the state.  

The latest NECO performance has therefore renewed attention on Kano’s education policies and the role of students, teachers, parents and government interventions in improving examination outcomes.