NECO 2026: Kano beats Lagos, Oyo, emerges Best-Performing State

Kano State has topped the National Examination Council of Nigeria (NECO) 2026 rankings, with 74,413 candidates obtaining at least five credits, including English Language and Mathematics. Lagos State ranked second with 72,496 candidates, while Oyo State came in third with 55,543 candidates. Kano has secured the top position for the second consecutive year, following its success in the 2025 NECO examinations.

Governor Abba Yusuf of Kano State expressed his appreciation for the students, teachers, parents, and other stakeholders who contributed to the outstanding performance. Yusuf attributed the continuous success to the state's sustained investment in education, including increased funding, improved learning facilities, teacher recruitment, scholarships, and support for indigent students.

In 2026 alone, the state government spent over N4.4 billion to sponsor candidates for the Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds. The governor emphasized that education has consistently received the largest share of Kano State's budget, with the latest allocation being N405.35 billion, representing about 30% of the state's total budget.

Yusuf's administration has been recognized nationally and internationally for its education policies, receiving awards such as the Leadership Newspaper Governor of the Year Award for Education, the New Telegraph Educational Development Governor of the Year Award, and the Teachers' Friendly Governor of the Year Award from the Nigeria Union of Teachers.

The governor's commitment to education aims to provide Kano's young people with the knowledge and skills needed for higher education, employment, innovation, and leadership.