Ebonyi State has emerged as the second-best performing state in Nigeria in the 2026 National Examinations Council (NECO) Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (SSCE), recording an 81.03 per cent success rate among candidates who secured at least five credits, including English Language and Mathematics.
The result places Ebonyi just behind Abia State, which led the national ranking with 81.78 per cent.
The figures were disclosed by the Permanent Member II of the Ebonyi State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Chijioke Nwuzor, in Abakaliki on Saturday.
According to the state-by-state performance data, Ebonyi recorded 81.03 per cent, while Abia came first with 81.78 per cent.
Ekiti State ranked third with 77.68 per cent, followed by Delta State with 75.17 per cent and Osun State with 74.31 per cent.
Other states that made the top 10 were Lagos with 74.15 per cent, Oyo with 74.12 per cent, Imo with 74.10 per cent, Bayelsa with 73.92 per cent and Ogun with 73.34 per cent.
Nwuzor described Ebonyi’s performance in the 2026 NECO examination as a significant achievement for the state’s education sector.He attributed the result to continued investment in teaching and learning materials, improved school facilities and efforts to create a more conducive learning environment for students.
He specifically mentioned Urban Model Secondary School, Abakaliki, as one of the schools contributing to Ebonyi’s impressive performance.
Nwuzor said the result showed that students could achieve strong academic outcomes when teachers have the necessary support and schools are equipped with appropriate learning resources.
“When the right teaching and learning materials are provided, the environment is conducive and teachers are well motivated, results like this are what is achievable.”
Permanent Member II of the Ebonyi State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Chijioke Nwuzor
The SUBEB official also commended Ebonyi State Governor Francis Nwifuru for what he described as the administration’s commitment to improving the education sector.
He noted that the 2026 NECO result was evidence that sustained investment in education could translate into measurable academic achievements.
Nwuzor urged the state government and other education stakeholders to build on the performance by increasing support for schools, teachers and students.
“Our pride, our God-sent Governor, Rt. Hon. Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, is intentional in developing Ebonyi in all sectors. We are proud of this noble achievement. Much more are expected. May God continue to bless our leader, and to God be the glory,” he said.
The 81.03 per cent performance recorded by Ebonyi State in the 2026 NECO SSCE places the state among Nigeria’s leading performers and highlights the growing focus on educational development in the state.
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