The National Examinations Council (NECO) has announced the results of the 2026 Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) Internal, with 58.67% of candidates securing five credits, including English Language and Mathematics, according to NECO Registrar and Chief Executive Professor Dantani Wushishi. The results were disclosed on Thursday at NECO’s headquarters in Minna, Niger State, during a press briefing. A total of 1,378,048 candidates registered for the examination, while 1,371,992 sat for it, as reported by the council. Of these, 804,948 candidates achieved at least five credits, including English and Mathematics, and 1,162,118 obtained five credits regardless of the language requirements.
The 2026 SSCE Internal examination was conducted from June 15 to July 23, 2026, followed by a nationwide marking period from August 17 to September 4. Candidates can access their results via the official NECO results portal, results.neco.gov.ng, by entering their registration number and a valid result-checking token. NECO emphasized the importance of using the official platform to avoid scams, warning against unofficial websites that may request personal details or payments. The council also reiterated its commitment to maintaining examination integrity, following reports of 1,406 cases of malpractice and the participation of 1,334 candidates with special needs.
To check results, candidates must select the 2026 examination year and the SSCE INTERNAL (JUN/JUL) option if they took the school-based exam or SSCE EXTERNAL for private candidates. After entering the token and registration number, results are displayed instantly. For those without a token, the portal allows purchases through a “Purchase token” option, with new users required to create an account. NECO advised candidates to rely on the portal’s displayed prices rather than third-party sources, as payment options may change.
The 2026 SSCE Internal examination spanned Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, as well as six foreign locations: Benin Republic, Equatorial Guinea, Niger Republic, Côte d’Ivoire, Togo, and Saudi Arabia. NECO Registrar Professor Dantani Wushishi, who was recently elected as vice-president of the African Examination Agencies Association (AEAA), highlighted the council’s efforts to ensure transparency. The results have significant implications for students seeking further education or employment, as five credits are often a prerequisite for many institutions and opportunities.
Candidates are urged to verify their registration numbers and tokens carefully to avoid errors. NECO’s system previously allowed tokens to be reused for the same candidate, but the council now recommends checking current terms on the portal. The distinction between the registration number, which identifies the candidate’s record, and the token, which grants access to results, was clarified to prevent confusion.
NECO’s announcement comes amid broader developments, including Governor Abubakar Yusuf of Kano State employing 8,588 teachers and commending the federal government for suspending NECO fees. The council also reiterated its dedication to academic excellence, urging students to focus on their studies. With the results now accessible online, candidates are encouraged to secure digital or printed copies for official use.
The 2026 SSCE results underscore the challenges and achievements of Nigeria’s education sector, reflecting both the high pass rates and the need for continued investment in examination systems. NECO’s emphasis on credibility aligns with its role as a key institution in the country’s academic landscape, ensuring that outcomes meet national and international standards.
The process for accessing results has been streamlined to reduce delays and administrative hurdles, with the council noting that the online portal has handled the volume of requests efficiently. However, concerns remain about the reliability of third-party services and the potential for misinformation. NECO’s repeated warnings highlight the importance of vigilance among candidates and parents.
As the academic year progresses, the 2026 SSCE results will shape the next steps for thousands of students. NECO’s commitment to transparency and integrity remains central to its mission, ensuring that the examination process remains a fair and reliable measure of academic achievement.
NECO’s release of the 2026 SSCE results marks a pivotal moment for students, educators, and policymakers. The council’s efforts to modernize its systems and combat malpractice reflect broader goals of improving educational outcomes across Nigeria.