The National Examinations Council (NECO) has released the 2026 Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) Internal results, revealing that 58.67% of 804,948 candidates secured five credits and above, including English Language and Mathematics. Professor Dantani Wushishi, NECO’s Registrar/Chief Executive, announced the findings Thursday at the council’s Minna, Niger State headquarters. Of the 1,378,048 registered candidates—682,352 males and 695,696 females—1,371,992 sat for the exam, with 1,162,118 (84.70%) achieving five credits regardless of subject combinations. The examination, conducted from June 15 to July 23, 2026, spanned all 36 Nigerian states, the Federal Capital Territory, and six foreign locations: Benin Republic, Equatorial Guinea, Niger Republic, Côte d’Ivoire, Togo, and Saudi Arabia.
Professor Wushishi highlighted a 64.74% decline in examination malpractice, with 1,406 candidates involved in 2026 compared to 3,878 in 2025, attributing the improvement to enhanced security measures, stakeholder collaboration, and streamlined processes. The council also reported 1,334 candidates with special needs participated, underscoring its commitment to inclusivity. Wushishi thanked the Federal Government, education ministers, the NECO Governing Board, security agencies, and stakeholders for their support, while commending NECO staff for their role in ensuring the exam’s integrity. He emphasized the council’s dedication to maintaining fairness, stating, “NECO will continue to uphold the credibility, fairness, and integrity of its examinations.”
The results, available online via the NECO website using registration numbers, come amid broader educational developments, including a $5 billion global education funding partnership with Italy and the signing of the Education and Skills Trust Fund Bill by Governor Abiodun of Ogun State. Wushishi urged candidates to prioritize academic excellence, noting the council’s ongoing efforts to adapt to evolving educational challenges. The 2026 SSCE outcomes reflect both progress in exam management and persistent demands for equitable access to quality education across Nigeria and its international centers.
NECO’s 2026 SSCE results underscore the council’s efforts to balance academic rigor with inclusivity, as well as its responsiveness to systemic challenges. The 84.70% pass rate for five credits, irrespective of subject requirements, highlights the exam’s evolving standards, while the reduction in malpractice signals improved oversight. With 1,371,992 candidates sitting for the exam, the data also reveals gender disparities in participation, with slightly more females than males. As NECO prepares for future assessments, the 2026 outcomes will likely influence policy discussions on education quality, security, and accessibility, particularly in regions with limited resources. The council’s emphasis on collaboration and transparency remains critical to sustaining public trust in Nigeria’s examination system.