By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

The National Examinations Council (NECO) has officially announced the results of the 2025 External Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE).

The Registrar, Professor Dantani Ibrahim Wushishi, made the announcement at the Council’s headquarters in Minna, outlining key statistics, performance highlights, and concerning trends in examination malpractice.

He said that sixteen subjects were examined and a total of 96,979 candidates registered for the examination.

This figure comprises 51,823 male candidates, representing 53.43 percent, and 45,156 female candidates, representing 46.56 percent.

He stated that 95,160 candidates eventually sat for the examination. Of this number, 93,425 candidates sat for English Language, out of which 73,167 candidates, representing 78.32 percent, obtained credit and above.

Similarly, 93,330 candidates sat for Mathematics, with 85,256 candidates, representing 91.35 percent, securing credit and above.

According to him, 68,166 candidates, representing 71.63 percent, obtained five credits and above, including English Language and Mathematics.

The Registrar further disclosed that 82,082 candidates, representing 86.26 percent, recorded five credits and above irrespective of English Language and Mathematics.

He revealed that 9,016 candidates were booked for various forms of examination malpractice, indicating an increase of 31.7 percent compared to the 6,160 cases recorded in 2024.

Professor Wushishi also announced that five supervisors—two from the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) and one each from Kano, Adamawa, and Ondo States, were recommended for blacklisting for aiding and abetting examination malpractice.

In addition, four centres two from Niger State and one each from Yobe and Kano States found to have been involved in whole-centre malpractice were recommended for de-recognition.

Professor Wushishi reaffirmed NECO’s commitment to upholding the integrity of the national examination system and cautioned candidates and officials against engaging in malpractice.

Kano State Governor, Engr. Abba Kabir Yusuf, has approved automatic employment for qualified medical doctors who are indigenes of the state but currently working in neighbouring states. The initiative is aimed at strengthening healthcare delivery in Kano’s secondary health facilities and encouraging doctors to return home to serve their communities.

In a statement signed by Dr. Mansur Mudi Nagoda, Executive Secretary of the Kano State Hospitals Management Board, and released by the Governor’s Special Adviser on Information, Ibrahim Adam, the government confirmed that the employment package comes with full implementation of the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS), in line with federal standards. Importantly, doctors will retain the same grade level they attained with their previous employers, ensuring continuity in career progression.

The Governor also announced additional incentives, including access to the Medical Residency Training Fund (MRTF) and opportunities for in-house residency training in key specialties such as:
– Internal Medicine
– Family Medicine
– Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT)
– Obstetrics and Gynaecology

Dr. Nagoda emphasized that more incentives would follow, underscoring the administration’s commitment to improving healthcare services and retaining skilled professionals within the state.

Eligible doctors are urged to report immediately to the Kano State Hospitals Management Board Headquarters for documentation and absorption into the system.

The Special Adviser on information Ibrahim Adam added that the policy reflects Governor Yusuf’s broader vision of revitalizing Kano’s healthcare sector, addressing manpower shortages, and ensuring that residents have access to quality medical care.

By Yusuf Danjuma Yunusa

In a move sparking significant political interest, former Vice President and 2023 PDP presidential candidate Atiku Abubakar met privately with Senator Abdulaziz Yari, a prominent figure in the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), in Abuja on Tuesday.

The meeting, as gathered by Daily Trust, was held behind closed doors at Atiku’s residence in the Federal Capital Territory.

The meeting was concluded without any remarks to the press, and no official statement was released regarding its agenda.

The interaction gains relevance against the backdrop of ongoing political manoeuvring ahead of the 2027 general elections. Atiku, who recently entered into a strategic alignment with the African Democratic Congress (ADC) as part of a broader opposition coalition, has consistently affirmed his continued involvement in national politics and his intention to run in the next presidential election.

Senator Yari, a former governor of Zamfara State and a current senator under the APC, remains an influential figure within the ruling party. He previously contested for the Senate Presidency in the 10th National Assembly, losing to the incumbent, Senator Godswill Akpabio.

While the precise purpose of the meeting remains unconfirmed, sources within political circles indicate a noticeable uptick in high-level engagements. A source within the ADC, who requested anonymity due to lack of authorisation to speak publicly, noted that such discussions are becoming commonplace as political actors begin early positioning.

“We are in a phase of active political alignments and realignments across the board,” the source stated. “While the specific agenda of this meeting is not public, it falls within the pattern of strategic consultations expected at this time.”

The development is likely to fuel further speculation about potential cross-party negotiations and shifting alliances as the country approaches the next election cycle.

Editor’s note: The Picture attached is just for an illustration