Kano State has emerged as the best-performing state in the 2025 National Examinations Council (NECO) Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) for internal candidates, marking a milestone in its educational journey.

NECO Registrar, Ibrahim Wushishi, announced the results on Wednesday, September 17, in Minna, Niger State. According to him, Kano State led the country with 68,159 candidates, representing 5.02 per cent of the national total, who passed with at least five credits including English and Mathematics. This places Kano at the top of the 2025 performance chart, ahead of Lagos, which recorded 67,007 successful candidates, and Oyo, which placed third with 48,742.

The feat comes after sweeping education reforms and investments championed by Governor Abba Yusuf. His spokesperson, Sunusi Tofa, described the success as “a reflection of the tireless work and vision” of the administration. “This success belongs to every teacher, student, and parent who has supported our reforms. It shows that when we prioritise education, invest in our teachers, and ensure access to quality learning, the results speak for themselves,” he said.

Nationwide, a total of 1,358,339 candidates sat for the June/July 2025 NECO SSCE, with 818,492 (60.26 per cent) achieving five credits including Mathematics and English. Overall, 1,144,496 candidates, or 84.26 per cent, passed with five credits or more in any subject. Kano’s outstanding performance, however, has set a new benchmark, showcasing the potential of reform-driven strategies to elevate educational outcomes across Nigeria.

ChatGPT c