Kano beats Lagos, Oyo to retain top spot in 2026 NECO results

Kano State has once again taken the first position in the National Examination Council (NECO) results, leading the country with the highest number of students passing the 2026 exams.

Out of all the states in Nigeria, Kano produced 74,413 candidates who scored at least five credits, including the core subjects of English and Mathematics, Lagos followed closely in second place with 72,496 successful students, while Oyo State took the third spot with 55,543 candidates.

This marks the second year in a row that Kano has dominated the national NECO charts.

The Kano State Governor Abba Yusuf, in a statement released by his spokesperson, Sanusi Bature, praised the students, teachers, and parents for the achievement.
He added that the achievement proves the state’s heavy investment in education is actually working.

“Kano has maintained the first position in NECO twice in a row, making the state the leading SSCE performer for two consecutive years”, the statement.

The Kano State government revealed that, over N4.4 billion was spent in 2026 to help cover the examination fees for students from low-income families. The government said that the main goal was to remove financial barriers that could stop smart students from writing the exams.

Governor Yusuf also stated that his administration is pushing its education budget far above the standard benchmark recommended by UNESCO. In 2026, Kano State dedicated about 30 percent of its N1.47 trillion total budget, amounting to N405.35 billion, strictly to the education sector to renovate classrooms, hire and train teachers, buy learning materials, and provide scholarships.

With over five million children currently recorded in Kano’s schools, the state plans to keep this funding going with the goal of building an education system that fully prepares young Nigerians for higher learning, modern jobs, and future leadership.