The National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB) has commenced the nationwide selection and placement of successful candidates into federal and participating state technical colleges following the conclusion of the 2026 National Common Entrance Examination.
The exercise, which began in Abuja, is expected to determine the admission of qualified candidates into technical colleges across the country for the new academic session.
Speaking at the commencement of the placement exercise, the Registrar and Chief Executive of NABTEB, Dr. Mohammed Aminu, said the process represents the final stage of the admission exercise and would be conducted in line with approved guidelines issued by the Federal Ministry of Education.
According to him, 15,290 candidates registered for the entrance examination, while 13,848 eventually sat for the test. Of those, 10,426 candidates scored at least 50 per cent, representing 75.29 per cent of the total candidates, while 5,708 candidates recorded scores of 70 per cent and above.
Aminu said admissions would be guided by merit, fairness, transparency and the Federal Character Principle, urging members of the placement committee to carry out the exercise objectively.
He explained that the credibility of the entrance examination depends on a transparent selection process that gives deserving candidates equal opportunities for admission.
The registrar also disclosed that NABTEB introduced several technology-driven innovations during this year’s exercise, including computer-based testing, improved digital result processing and an artificial intelligence-powered aptitude placement system designed to enhance efficiency and reduce human interference.
He stressed that technical colleges should be recognised as centres for innovation, entrepreneurship and skills development rather than institutions for students who could not pursue conventional academic programmes.
According to him, expanding technical and vocational education remains critical to producing the skilled workforce required to drive industrialisation, manufacturing and economic diversification.
Aminu commended the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, for supporting reforms aimed at strengthening technical education through increased investment in skills acquisition, curriculum improvement, industry collaboration and digital innovation.
He also urged governments, school proprietors, parents, communities and development partners to intensify advocacy for technical and vocational education in order to encourage more young Nigerians to acquire practical and employable skills.
The National Common Entrance Examination serves as the entry point into federal and participating state technical colleges, where students receive competency-based training in engineering, information and communication technology, agriculture, construction, hospitality and other vocational disciplines.
