The National Examinations Council (NECO) has released the results of the 2026 Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) Internal.
An analysis of the results show that 84.70 per cent of candidates recorded at least five credits irrespective of English Language and Mathematics.
NECO Registrar and Chief Executive, Prof. Dantani Wushishi, announced the results on Thursday at a press conference held at the council’s headquarters in Minna, Niger State.
Wushishi then declared the 2026 SSCE Internal results released for candidates to access, urging them to continue with their education with renewed determination.
A total of 1,378,048 candidates registered for the examination. The figure comprised 682,352 male candidates and 695,696 female candidates.
According to the NECO registrar, 1,371,992 candidates eventually sat for the examination, comprising 678,903 males and 693,089 females.
Of those who sat for the examination, 1,162,118 candidates, representing 84.70 per cent, obtained five credits and above irrespective of their results in English Language and Mathematics.
The number dropped when English Language and Mathematics were included among the five required credits. Wushishi said 804,948 candidates, representing 58.67 per cent, obtained five credits and above including both subjects.
The examination was conducted across all 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory, as well as in six countries outside Nigeria.
Among the countries included are Benin Republic, Equatorial Guinea, Niger Republic, Côte d’Ivoire, Togo and Saudi Arabia.
The 2026 SSCE Internal examination was conducted between June 15 and September 4, 2026. Wushishi said the results were released 63 days after the conclusion of the examination after the council completed its marking, verification and quality assurance processes.
He described this year’s examination cycle as one of the most challenging for the council, saying it tested its systems, procedures and preparedness.
The NECO boss said the council remained focused on ensuring that the certificates issued to candidates accurately reflected their academic performance.
He also stressed the importance of protecting the credibility of the examination against malpractice, impersonation and manipulation.
On examination malpractice, Wushishi disclosed that 1,406 candidates were involved in various forms of malpractice during the 2026 examination.
The figure represents a 64.74 per cent reduction from the 3,878 cases recorded during the 2025 examination.
He attributed the reduction to measures introduced by the council to strengthen examination security and quality assurance.
