NECO honours Kano govt for SSCE candidates’ sponsorship

The National Examinations Council National Examinations Council has honoured the Kano State Government with an Award of Excellence for emerging as the second-best state in the sponsorship and registration of candidates for the Senior School Certificate Examination for two consecutive academic sessions.

The award, covering the 2023/2024 and 2024/2025 academic years, was presented during the grand finale of NECO’s 25th anniversary celebration held at the International Conference Centre on Thursday.

The event attracted education stakeholders, policymakers, and dignitaries from across the country to celebrate NECO’s contributions to credible examinations and educational development over the past 25 years.

Receiving the award on behalf of the state government, the Kano State Commissioner for Education, Ali Haryna Abubakar Makoda, said the recognition reflected the state government’s commitment to expanding access to quality secondary education and ensuring that eligible students are not denied opportunities due to financial challenges.

Makoda dedicated the award to Kano State Governor Abba Kabir Yusuf, as well as teachers, students, and education officials whose efforts contributed to the achievement.

According to him, the state government has consistently prioritised education as a foundation for sustainable development.

“This award is a result of hard work and perseverance the state government has shown and its resolve to prioritise education as the foundation for sustainable development in Kano society.

For two consecutive years, Kano State has mobilised resources to sponsor and register thousands of children for NECO examinations, and the state will not relent,” he said.

The commissioner added that the recognition aligned with the state’s education reform agenda under the education emergency recovery plan, which focuses on improving learning outcomes, infrastructure, and access to education, especially for adolescent girls and youths.

He also expressed appreciation to NECO for the recognition and reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to maintaining high standards in candidate sponsorship, registration, and compliance with examination ethics.

The statement was signed by the Director of Public Enlightenment, Kano State Ministry of Education, Musbahu Aminu Yakasai.