The National Examinations Council (NECO) reported a 58.67% pass rate in its 2026 Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) Internal, with 804,948 candidates achieving five credits and above, including English Language and Mathematics, according to NECO Registrar Dantata Wushishi. The results, announced 63 days after the final exam on July 23, 2026, revealed that 1,371,992 candidates sat for the examination, which ran from June 15 to July 23. Wushishi attributed the improved pass rate to enhanced security measures and noted a 64.7% reduction in examination malpractice compared to 2025, with only 1,406 candidates involved in misconduct this year versus 3,878 in 2025.
Kano State led in the number of candidates meeting the five-credits benchmark, with 74,413 students, followed by Lagos (72,496) and Oyo (55,543). The Southwest geopolitical zone accounted for 24.6% of total candidates with five credits, while the Northwest and North Central trailed at 22.1% and 19%, respectively. Wushishi highlighted the role of security agencies, including the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and Department of State Services (DSS), in curbing malpractice and ensuring exam integrity. He also noted that no candidates in NECO centers in Saudi Arabia and Niger Republic met the five-credits threshold.
State-level rankings showed Benue (3.82%) and Anambra (2.92%) leading in the North Central and Southeast zones, respectively, while Rivers (3.03%) topped the South-South. Wushishi emphasized that detailed statistical tables accompanying the results included gender-based and subject-specific breakdowns. The registrar praised President Bola Tinubu for his reappointment and the Minister of Education for supporting NECO’s reforms, vowing to maintain examination standards. The results underscore ongoing efforts to combat academic fraud and improve educational outcomes across Nigeria.
The 2026 SSCE results reflect a significant shift in exam management, with reduced malpractice and targeted interventions in high-performing regions. However, disparities persist, particularly in the South-South and Southeast, where pass rates lag behind national averages. NECO’s emphasis on security and transparency aims to address systemic challenges, though critics argue more investment in education infrastructure is needed to sustain progress. The council’s commitment to upholding standards remains central to its mandate, as stakeholders await further reforms to ensure equitable access to quality education.