The National Examinations Council (NECO) has released the results of the 2025 Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) for internal candidates, while commending President Bola Tinubu for his steadfast support.

The announcement was made on Wednesday in Minna by NECO Registrar and Chief Executive, Prof. Dantani Wushishi, who described the release as the culmination of a rigorous assessment process.

He said the development reaffirmed the council’s dedication to quality education, merit, integrity, and national development. Wushishi praised President Tinubu’s leadership, noting that his “vision and unwavering commitment” had enabled institutions like NECO to pursue higher standards, transparency, and accountability.

“Your support fuels our drive to deliver fair, credible, and timely results for our nation’s students. This is a demonstration of the renewed hope for Nigeria’s education system,” Wushishi stated.

He also acknowledged the contributions of Education Minister Dr Tunji Alausa, Minister of State Prof. Suwaiba Ahmad, and Permanent Secretary Dr Abel Enitan, as well as the National Assembly’s education committees and other stakeholders, including the Niger State Government.

According to Wushishi, the 2025 SSCE internal results were released 54 days after the last paper was written. Out of 1,358,339 candidates who sat the June/July examination, 818,492 (60.26 per cent) obtained at least five credits, including English and Mathematics. A total of 1,144,496 candidates (84.26 per cent) scored five credits and above irrespective of English and Mathematics.

Of the 1,367,210 candidates registered, 685,514 were male and 681,696 female. Those who actually sat were 680,292 males and 678,047 females.

The registrar disclosed that 1,622 candidates with special needs participated, including 941 with hearing impairment, 191 with visual impairment, and others with varying challenges.

On malpractice, Wushishi reported that 3,878 candidates were implicated in 2025, a sharp decline from 10,094 cases in 2024, representing a 61.58 per cent reduction. However, 38 schools across 13 states were found to have engaged in mass cheating and will face sanctions. Additionally, nine supervisors were recommended for blacklisting over offences such as aiding malpractice, lateness, unruly behaviour, assault, and insubordination.

Wushishi also highlighted disruptions in Lamorde Local Government Area of Adamawa State, where eight schools were affected by a communal clash. This halted examinations between 7 and 25 July, disrupting 13 subjects and 29 papers. Talks are underway with the state government to reconduct the papers.

He further revealed that under a reviewed curriculum, NECO would now examine candidates in 38 subjects to reduce waiting times for results.

In terms of state performance, Kano led with 68,159 candidates (5.020 per cent) scoring five credits and above including English and Mathematics, followed by Lagos with 67,007 (4.930 per cent), and Oyo with 48,742. The least performing centre was Gabon, where no candidate achieved five credits including English and Mathematics.