The 2025 NECO results have once again highlighted Kano State as one of the top-performing states in Nigeria, according to fresh data released by the Kano State Bureau of Statistics. This comes after a detailed review of the National Examinations Council (NECO) Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (SSCE) 2025 results, which show Kano leading in several critical performance indicators.
While earlier reports suggested that Abia ranked first in the 2025 NECO examination, the Kano Bureau clarified that the ranking depends on which performance indicators are used. In terms of absolute candidate performance, female success rates, and total credits achieved, Kano stands out as a clear leader in the NECO 2025 statistics.
NECO 2025 Results at a Glance
The NECO SSCE remains one of the most important secondary school leaving examinations in Nigeria. It serves as a key requirement for university admission and career development. In 2025, the results once again provided insights into how different states are performing educationally.
According to NECO 2025 statistics, Kano recorded:
| Category | Registered | Sat | 5 Credits (Any Subjects) | 5 Credits (Incl. Maths & English) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total Candidates | 137,338 | 136,762 | 103,579 | 28,308 |
| Female Candidates | 75,115 | 74,098 | 59,771 | 39,851 |
| Male Candidates | 62,223 | 61,854 | 43,808 | 28,308 |
When compared to other states, Kano consistently ranked among the highest in total passes.
Kano vs Other States in NECO 2025
The Bureau emphasized that the performance indicators matter in determining which state truly “came first.”
- Kano State
- 103,579 students scored five credits irrespective of Mathematics and English — the highest in Nigeria.
- Female candidates also recorded the highest successes, with 39,851 passing with five credits including Mathematics and English.
- Lagos State
- While Lagos recorded 85,071 successes (irrespective of Mathematics and English), it edged out Kano in the stricter benchmark: 30,203 candidates obtained five credits including Mathematics and English, compared to Kano’s 28,308.
- Oyo State
- Oyo recorded 70,609 candidates with five credits irrespective of Mathematics and English, far behind Kano’s figures.
- Abia State
- Abia was earlier ranked first in a Premium Times report, but the Kano Bureau insists that this was based on a single performance measure, rather than the broader set of NECO statistics.
Female Performance in NECO 2025: Kano Takes the Lead
One of the most striking highlights of the 2025 NECO results is the performance of female candidates in Kano State.
- Out of 75,115 registered female candidates, 39,851 obtained five credits including Mathematics and English, placing Kano at the top of the female category nationwide.
- When Mathematics and English were excluded, the figure rose to 59,771 successful candidates, far above Lagos (48,202) and Oyo (33,201).
This achievement is particularly significant given the ongoing push for gender equality in education across Northern Nigeria.
Why Kano’s NECO 2025 Performance Matters
Kano’s outstanding results are not only a statistical success but also an indicator of progress in education policy, student commitment, and parental support in the state. Several factors contribute to this performance:
- Large Candidate Base – With over 137,000 students registered, Kano had one of the largest turnouts in the country.
- Improved Access to Education – Investments in school infrastructure, teacher recruitment, and girl-child education programs have strengthened results.
- Balanced Gender Success – Both male and female students showed impressive outcomes, debunking stereotypes about poor female performance in Northern Nigeria.
- Competitive Standards – Kano’s close competition with Lagos in the “five credits including Mathematics and English” benchmark highlights national competitiveness.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Did Kano rank first in NECO 2025?
Yes, according to the Kano State Bureau of Statistics, Kano led in several key indicators such as total candidates with five credits (irrespective of Mathematics and English) and female performance. However, Lagos edged ahead in the stricter benchmark of five credits including Maths and English.
2. How many students passed NECO 2025 in Kano?
A total of 103,579 candidates in Kano obtained five credits in NECO 2025, while 28,308 candidates achieved five credits including Mathematics and English.
3. Which state performed best in NECO 2025?
The answer depends on the chosen performance indicator. Kano leads in absolute numbers and female performance, while Lagos narrowly leads in the stricter benchmark of five credits including Maths and English.
4. What does NECO five credits mean?
It means a candidate successfully passed five subjects in the NECO SSCE. The stricter benchmark includes passes in both English Language and Mathematics, which are required for university admission.
5. Why is Kano’s female success rate important?
Because it shows significant progress in girl-child education in Northern Nigeria, an area often seen as lagging in female academic participation.
Conclusion
The 2025 NECO results reaffirm Kano as one of the top-performing states in Nigeria, with record-breaking numbers of successful candidates, especially among girls. While Lagos slightly edged Kano in the strictest benchmark, the broader NECO statistics position Kano as a powerhouse in secondary education achievement.
For parents, students, and policymakers, these results send a clear message: investment in education pays off, and Kano is setting the pace in national examinations.
