The National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB) has commenced the 2026 selection and placement of successful candidates into federal and participating state technical colleges across the country.
Speaking on Monday in Abuja, NABTEB Registrar and Chief Executive, Dr. Mohammed Aminu, said the exercise marks a crucial stage in the admission process, ensuring that qualified candidates are fairly and transparently placed into technical colleges in line with Federal Ministry of Education guidelines.
A total of 15,290 candidates registered for the entrance examination, while 13,848 sat for the test. Of those, 10,426 candidates (75.29 per cent) scored at least 50 per cent, while 5,708 candidates (41.22 per cent) obtained 70 per cent and above.
Aminu said the placement process would be guided by the principles of merit, equity, transparency, accountability and the Federal Character Principle, urging members of the selection committee to carry out their responsibilities with integrity.
“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,” he said.
The registrar also highlighted recent improvements in the examination process, including the deployment of computer-based testing, enhanced digital result processing and an artificial intelligence-powered aptitude placement system aimed at improving efficiency and transparency.
He described technical colleges as centers for innovation, entrepreneurship and skills development, stressing that Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) remains essential to producing the skilled workforce needed to drive Nigeria’s industrialization and economic diversification.
Aminu commended Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, for reforms aimed at strengthening technical education and called on governments, parents, school administrators and development partners to promote vocational education among young Nigerians.
The National Common Entrance Examination serves as the gateway for admission into federal and participating state technical colleges, where students receive competency-based training in fields such as engineering, ICT, construction, agriculture and hospitality.
