Nigerians have been reacting sharply after Statisense released the breakdown of the best-performing states in the 2024 NECO examinations, with many questioning the decline of Anambra State’s academic standing under Governor Charles Soludo.
According to the figures, Abia topped the chat with 83.4% of candidates securing five credits and above, including Mathematics and English Language. Imo followed closely at 80.98%, while Ebonyi posted 80.55%, rounding off an impressive showing for the South East region. Cross River (76.68%), Delta (76.29%), and Ogun (75.73%) completed the top six.
The full ranking of the top 12 states is as follows:
1. Abia 83.4%
2. Imo 80.98%
3. Ebonyi 80.55%
4. Cross River 76.68%
5. Delta 76.29%
6. Ogun 75.73%
7. Ekiti 75.48%
8. Bayelsa 75.29%
9. Lagos 73.48%
10. Edo 72.83%
11. Kebbi 72.51%
12. Taraba 70.54%
Beyond individual states, the regional distribution paints an even clearer picture of Nigeria’s educational divide:
South East — 72.24%
South South — 70.27%
South West — 68.48%
North Central — 61.96%North East — 57%
North West — 48.03%
While the figures appeared to celebrate academic excellence across parts of the country, several Nigerians turned their attention to Anambra, a state previously lauded for educational achievement but conspicuously missing from the top 12.
One user, Nzekanze0001, did not hold back: “Can someone ask Soludo where he keep Anambra wey Peter Obi left in 1st position before … Hope na government house wey he go get comfort dy him important pass Anambra next generation.” Another commentator, ourt_destiny, echoed the frustration, stating: “Soludo used his time in office to build government house instead of focusing on education.”
Criticism also extended to Enugu State Governor Peter Ndubuisi Mbah, with GentleObi commenting:”@PNMbah with all his audio smart schools couldn’t make it to the top 12. You will finish 4 years and half of the smart schools won’t be complete.”
READ MORE: End Foreign Trips, Conduct Medical Check-ups in Nigeria—Atiku Dares Tinubu to Lead by Example
The poor showing of northern states drew alarm, especially as none made it into the top 10. “No northern state in the top 10, this is a regional emergency, the North must wake up,” wrote Iyke.
Meanwhile, doubts were cast on the credibility of the rankings and the examination process itself. Kolasanusi alleged: “Surge in examination malpractices in those states. No states in Nigeria can achieve that feat.” A similar sentiment was shared by Sulaiman, who suggested reforms: “I think as Nigerians, we must stop deceiving ourselves. We should apply the same electronic systems that JAMB uses to the NECO and WAEC.”
The 2024 NECO data has reignited conversations about regional disparities, education quality, and governance priorities. With Anambra’s notable absence from the top performers, many are asking tough questions of Soludo’s administration, particularly in comparison to his predecessor, Peter Obi, under whose leadership the state regularly topped national education charts.
As public scrutiny mounts and calls for reform grow louder, it remains to be seen whether state governments, especially in the North and South East, will take concrete steps to improve educational outcomes in the years ahead.#NECO
Follow the Parallel Facts channel on WhatsApp: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaCQSAoHgZWiDjR3Kn2E
