Kano State has secured the top position in NECO 2026 results for the second consecutive year, with 74,413 students achieving at least five credits, including English and Mathematics, according to Governor Abba Yusuf. The governor attributed the success to sustained educational investments and praised stakeholders for the achievement.
The 2026 National Examination Council of Nigeria (NECO) results revealed Kano as the leading state, surpassing Lagos, which recorded 72,496 candidates with five credits, and Oyo, with 55,543. This marks Kano’s second consecutive year at the top, following its 2025 performance, where it also led the national rankings.
Governor Yusuf, through his spokesperson Sanusi Bature, commended students, teachers, parents, and education partners for the outstanding results. He emphasized that the back-to-back success underscores the effectiveness of the state’s education policies and infrastructure improvements. 'Kano has maintained the first position in NECO twice in a row, making the state the leading SSCE performer for the two consecutive years, 2025 and 2026,' he stated.
The governor highlighted that the state’s education budget has consistently exceeded UNESCO benchmarks. In 2024, education accounted for 29.95% of Kano’s budget, rising to 31% in 2025 and 30% in 2026, with N405.35 billion allocated for education in the 2026 fiscal year. This funding, he said, supports classroom renovations, teacher recruitment, learning materials, and scholarships for indigent students.
A key initiative in 2026 was the N4.4 billion allocated to sponsor candidates for the Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination. The program aimed to eliminate financial barriers, enabling students to sit for exams under optimal conditions. 'This intervention is part of our broader strategy to ensure equitable access to quality education,' Yusuf said.
The governor’s education policies have garnered national and international acclaim. In 2024, he received the Leadership Newspaper Governor of the Year Award for Education, while New Telegraph recognized him for educational development. The Nigeria Union of Teachers also named him 'Teachers’ Friendly Governor of the Year.'
In 2025, Blueprint Newspaper honored Yusuf as Governor of the Year for Education at its national conference in Abuja. This Nigeria newspaper awarded him the 'Courageous Governor of the Year 2024' title. Internationally, Kano’s education initiatives were acknowledged in London and Paris in 2026, with awards from the Universal Learning Solution and City University, Paris, for its commitment to literacy and education spending.
Kano’s educational reforms have positioned the state as a regional hub for innovation in sub-Saharan Africa. The administration’s focus on infrastructure, teacher training, and student support has contributed to a 2025 school census showing over five million enrolled students. 'Our goal is to equip Kano’s youth with the skills needed for higher education, employment, and leadership,' Yusuf said.
The governor reiterated his commitment to education, vowing to prioritize funding, improve learning facilities, and expand scholarship programs. 'Education remains the cornerstone of Kano’s development agenda,' he stated. 'We will continue to invest in policies that foster academic excellence and social mobility.'
The NECO 2026 results reflect a broader trend of improved educational outcomes in Kano. Since 2023, the state has implemented reforms such as digital learning tools, teacher mentorship programs, and community engagement initiatives to address regional disparities. These efforts have been credited with narrowing the gap between urban and rural schools.
Local education stakeholders praised the governor’s leadership but called for sustained investment. 'While the results are commendable, we need long-term strategies to address systemic challenges like teacher shortages and outdated curricula,' said Dr. Amina Musa, a Kano-based education consultant.
The state’s success has also drawn attention from neighboring regions. Officials from Kaduna and Bauchi have visited Kano to study its model, seeking to replicate its achievements. 'Kano’s approach offers a blueprint for other states facing similar educational challenges,' said Kaduna State Education Commissioner Bello Gidan.
Critics, however, argue that the focus on exam performance should not overshadow broader educational goals. 'We must ensure that students are not just prepared for tests but also for real-world problem-solving,' said Professor Umar Adamu, a policy analyst at the University of Maiduguri.
The NECO results come amid nationwide debates over Nigeria’s education system. While Kano’s performance highlights the impact of targeted investments, experts warn that systemic issues such as underfunding, overcrowded classrooms, and low teacher morale persist across the country.
Governor Yusuf’s administration has also faced scrutiny over the allocation of education funds. Opposition lawmakers have called for greater transparency in how the N405.35 billion budget is spent, citing concerns about potential mismanagement. 'We are committed to accountability and will provide regular audits to ensure public trust,' Bature responded.
The governor’s emphasis on education aligns with his broader vision for Kano’s development. His administration has also prioritized healthcare, infrastructure, and youth empowerment programs, positioning the state as a model for holistic governance in Nigeria.
As Kano celebrates its educational milestones, the focus now shifts to sustaining this momentum. With the 2027 NECO results on the horizon, the state’s leaders face the challenge of maintaining its leadership while addressing emerging educational needs.
The success of Kano’s education sector underscores the potential of strategic investment and policy innovation. For now, the state’s students and educators can take pride in their achievements, while the rest of Nigeria watches closely to see if Kano’s model can be replicated nationwide.
The NECO 2026 results serve as a testament to the power of sustained commitment to education. As Governor Yusuf continues to champion this cause, Kano’s journey offers valuable lessons for other regions striving to transform their educational landscapes.
Kano State’s leadership has set a high bar for educational excellence, demonstrating that with vision, resources, and community collaboration, significant progress is achievable. The governor’s pledge to maintain this trajectory signals a promising future for Kano’s students and the broader Nigerian education sector.