The Federal Government on Thursday announced the release of the 2026 National Common Entrance Examination (NCEE) results, with 10 candidates recording the highest scores nationwide after achieving 202 marks out of a possible 210.

It equally revealed that 70,357 candidates registered for the highly competitive examination into the country’s 80 Federal Government Colleges.

A total of 66,950 candidates sat for the test held on Saturday, June 6, 2026, in Nigeria, the Benin Republic and Togo. On the other hand, 3,407 candidates were absent.

The results were unveiled in Abuja by the Minister of State for Education, Prof. Suwaiba Ahmad, during the official presentation of the examination results by the National Examinations Council (NECO).

According to the minister, while the top 10 candidates scored 202 marks, 82 candidates recorded the lowest score of one mark.

She explained that the National Common Entrance Examination remains the gateway for admission into Junior Secondary School One ,JSS1, in the Federal Government Colleges, describing it as one of the country’s most competitive entrance examinations.

“The National Common Entrance Examination is conducted annually for qualified Nigerian children, both at home and abroad, seeking admission into the Federal Government Colleges spread across the country,” she said.

She noted that the colleges continue to play a critical role in promoting national integration and unity, stressing that they remain one of the most sought-after secondary education institutions by parents across the country.

The minister also released the results of the entrance examination into the Federal Government Academy, Suleja.

She disclosed that 2,071 candidates registered for the examination, while 1,876 sat for the test and 195 were absent.

According to her, the highest score recorded for admission into the academy was 187 marks, representing 89.05 per cent of the total obtainable score, while the lowest score was four marks.

Prof. Ahmad announced that the admission guidelines into the Federal Government Colleges remain unchanged.

She said admissions would continue to be based on 60 per cent merit, 30 per cent equality of states and 10 per cent exigency, directing the Senior Secondary Education Department to ensure that the entire admission exercise is concluded promptly and strictly in line with the approved guidelines.

The minister assured Nigerian parents that the Federal Government remains committed to strengthening the nation’s unity colleges through sustained investments in infrastructure, improved feeding programmes and enhanced teacher quality.