By Micah Jonah
February 13, 2026
The National Examinations Council (NECO) is facing a financial crisis, with state governments owing the body approximately N2 billion following the release of the 2025 Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) results. This debt is part of a broader trend, as some states still owe N3 billion for the 2022 exams and N2 billion for 2021. Between 2012 and 2023, accumulated unpaid debts reached N5.5 billion.
NECO relies on timely payment of examination fees to conduct exams, process results, and plan for assessments. The failure of states to pay not only jeopardises students’ academic futures but also undermines the capacity of the council to operate effectively. Historically, the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) has faced similar challenges, sometimes withholding results over unpaid fees.
Despite receiving significant federal allocations, many states continue to underfund education. Nigeria’s federal education budget over the past decade has remained below the recommended 15–20 per cent of total expenditure, often ranging between 5 and 10.8 per cent. Teachers are underpaid and overworked, schools are poorly equipped, matching grants set aside by the Universal Basic Education Commission remain largely unused.
The editorial stresses that Governors must clear these debts to restore credibility to examining bodies, protect students’ rights, and invest properly in education. Without urgent action, Nigeria risks further erosion of its educational system, with long-term consequences for students and national development.
