The National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB) has commenced the 2026 nationwide selection and placement exercise for qualified candidates seeking admission into Federal and participating State Technical Colleges across Nigeria.
The announcement was made on Monday in Abuja by the Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of NABTEB, Dr. Mohammed Aminu, who described the exercise as a crucial phase of the admission process aimed at ensuring qualified candidates are placed into technical colleges in a fair and transparent manner.
According to NABTEB, 15,290 candidates registered for the 2026 National Common Entrance Examination, while 13,848 candidates participated in the examination. Of those who sat for the test, 10,426 candidates (75.29%) scored 50 percent and above, while 5,708 candidates (41.22%) achieved scores of 70 percent or higher.
Dr. Aminu explained that the placement exercise serves as the link between assessment and admission, ensuring that successful candidates are allocated to institutions in line with the admission guidelines approved by the Federal Ministry of Education.
He emphasized that the selection process would strictly adhere to the principles of merit, equity, accountability, transparency, and the Federal Character Principle, urging members of the selection committee to carry out their responsibilities with integrity and impartiality.
“The success of the National Common Entrance Examination can only be fully realized when it is followed by a transparent, credible, and objective selection and placement process,” he said.
The NABTEB registrar also highlighted innovations introduced into the examination process, including the deployment of computer-based testing (CBT), enhanced digital result processing, and an AI-powered aptitude placement system designed to improve efficiency, accuracy, and transparency.
He noted that technical colleges should no longer be viewed as institutions of second choice but as centres that nurture innovation, entrepreneurship, and practical skills essential for national development.
According to Dr. Aminu, strengthening Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) remains vital for producing the skilled workforce needed to support Nigeria’s industrial growth and economic diversification.
He commended the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, for driving reforms aimed at revitalizing technical education through increased investment in skills development, stronger collaboration with industry stakeholders, and the adoption of digital technologies.
Dr. Aminu further appealed to governments, school administrators, parents, communities, and development partners to intensify awareness campaigns promoting technical education and encourage more young Nigerians to pursue vocational and technical careers.
In recent years, the Federal Government has intensified efforts to reposition Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) as a key component of its education reform agenda. These efforts include expanding enrolment into Federal Technical Colleges, implementing a revised TVET curriculum, strengthening partnerships with industries, and increasing investment in skills acquisition to address unemployment and close the country’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 fields such as engineering, construction, information and communication technology (ICT), agriculture, hospitality, and other vocational trades tailored to meet labour market demands.
