The National Business and Technical Examinations Board on Monday announced the commencement of the 2026 selection and placement of qualified candidates into state and technical colleges nationwide.
The Registrar and Chief Executive of NABTEB, Dr Mohammed Aminu, disclosed this on Monday in Abuja.
Recall that 15,290 candidates had earlier registered for the entrance examination, while 13,848 candidates eventually sat for the test nationwide.
10,426 candidates, representing 75.29 per cent, obtained scores of 50 per cent and above, while 5,708 candidates, representing 41.22 per cent, scored at least 70 per cent.
Aminu said the exercise was a critical stage in the admission process designed to ensure that qualified candidates are fairly and transparently placed into technical colleges across the country.
The statement partly read, “Today’s exercise marks one of the most critical stages in the admission process into our Technical Colleges. It is the bridge between assessment and admission, ensuring that qualified candidates who sat for the 2026 National Common Entrance Examination are fairly, transparently and appropriately placed in accordance with the admission guidelines approved by the Federal Ministry of Education.”
The NABTEB registrar stressed that admissions would be guided by merit, equity, accountability, transparency and the Federal Character Principle.
He urged members of the selection committee to discharge their responsibilities with integrity and impartiality.
“The success of the National Common Entrance Examination can only be fully realised when it is followed by a transparent, credible and objective selection and placement process.”
Aminu also highlighted improvements in the conduct of the examination, noting that NABTEB successfully deployed computer-based testing, enhanced digital result processing and an AI-powered aptitude placement system to improve efficiency and transparency.
He described technical colleges as centres for innovation and entrepreneurship rather than institutions of second choice.
According to him, strengthening Technical and Vocational Education and Training remains critical to producing skilled technicians, artisans and technologists capable of driving Nigeria’s industrialisation and economic diversification.
The registrar commended the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, for championing reforms aimed at repositioning technical education through increased investment in skills development, stronger industry partnerships and digital innovation.
He also called on governments, school administrators, parents, communities and development partners to intensify advocacy for technical education and encourage more young Nigerians to embrace vocational skills.
The Federal Government has in recent years intensified efforts to reposition Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) as a major pillar of its education reform agenda.
The Ministry of Education has expanded enrolment into Federal Technical Colleges, introduced a revised TVET curriculum, strengthened partnerships with industries and increased investments in skills acquisition to address youth unemployment and bridge Nigeria’s skills gap.
The National Common Entrance Examination, conducted annually by NABTEB, serves as the gateway for admission into Federal and participating State Technical Colleges, where students receive competency-based training in engineering, construction, ICT, agriculture, hospitality and other vocational trades aimed at meeting labour market demands.
