For the first time since the establishment of the National Examinations Council (NECO) in 1999, Kano State has emerged as the top-performing state in the 2025 NECO examinations.
This remarkable achievement is a clear testament to the education reform agenda of His Excellency, the People’s Governor, Alhaji Abba Kabir Yusuf.
Governor Yusuf’s Commitment to Education:
From the very beginning of his administration in 2023, Governor Yusuf made it clear that education would be the cornerstone of his policies. In practical terms, he has demonstrated this commitment through:
✓ Renovation and upgrading of schools: Hundreds of classrooms and school structures across the state have been rehabilitated.
✓ Construction of new schools: Expanding access to quality education, especially in underserved areas.
✓ Provision of books and learning materials: To enhance students’ learning and academic performance.
✓ Regular and timely salary payments: For the first time in years, teachers and all civil servants in Kano State now receive their salaries promptly on the 25th of every month, unlike under the previous government when workers faced delays. This consistency has restored teachers’ confidence and morale in discharging their duties.
Recognizing the Role of Commissioners;
It is also important to acknowledge the contributions of the former Commissioner of Education, Hon. Umar Haruna Doguwa, who served diligently for almost one and a half years. Under his stewardship, Governor Yusuf declared a state of emergency on education, a landmark decision that laid the foundation for today’s success.
Although Hon. Doguwa was later redeployed as Commissioner for Water Resources, the education sector continued to receive robust attention under Governor Yusuf, with the current Commissioner for Education, Dr. Ali Haruna Makoda, sustaining the progress and ensuring the governor’s vision remains on track.
Gratitude and Call to Action:
This historic milestone would not have been possible without the tireless efforts of teachers across Kano State, whose dedication and commitment to their students remain the backbone of our education system.
Likewise, recognition must be given to principals, school administrators, parents, and every stakeholder who contributed to this success story.
To our students, who have brought pride to Kano by excelling in their examinations: keep striving for excellence. To our teachers and education stakeholders:
let this achievement serve as encouragement to sustain and even surpass this record. With unity, hard work, and continued support from the government, the future of Kano’s education sector is brighter than ever.
Conclusion
Kano’s outstanding performance in NECO 2025 is not merely a victory for the state’s students and teachers, it is a historic moment that underscores the seriousness and foresight of Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf’s leadership. It proves that with the right vision, commitment, and support, Kano can reclaim its place as a leading light in Nigeria’s education sector.
Kano has risen. Nigeria is proud.
By Abubakar Ibrahim (Lecturer)
abubakarlecturer@gmail.com
18th September, 2025
