The National Examinations Council, NECO, says examination malpractice declined by 63.74 per cent in the 2026 Senior School Certificate Examination, SSCE Internal.

The Registrar and Chief Executive of NECO, Professor Dantani Ibrahim Wushishi, disclosed this in Minna while announcing the release of the examination results.

Professor Wushishi said 1,406 candidates were involved in examination malpractice in 2026, compared with 3,878 candidates recorded in 2025.

He said the examination was conducted across the 36 states of the federation, the Federal Capital Territory and six foreign countries, including Benin Republic, Equatorial Guinea, Niger Republic, Côte d’Ivoire, Togo and Saudi Arabia.

The examination was conducted from June 15 to July 23, 2026.

According to the Registrar, 1,378,048 candidates registered for the examination, comprising 682,352 males and 695,696 females, while 1,371,992 candidates eventually sat for the examination.

He disclosed that 804,948 candidates, representing 58.67 per cent, obtained at least five credits, including English Language and Mathematics.

Professor Wushishi added that 1,162,118 candidates, representing 84.70 per cent, obtained five credits and above, irrespective of their performance in English Language and Mathematics.

The NECO boss also disclosed that 1,334 candidates with special needs participated in the examination.

They included 640 candidates with hearing impairment, 149 with visual impairment, 84 with albinism, 94 with autism, 136 with low vision and 231 candidates with adermatoglyphia.

Professor Wushishi commended stakeholders, school owners, principals and parents for their cooperation in ensuring the successful conduct of the examination.

He said their support had contributed to the council’s ability to effectively discharge its examination responsibilities.

The event also featured the presentation of awards to NECO staff who participated in sporting activities organised in Port Harcourt two months ago.