The National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB) has commenced the 2026 selection and placement exercise for qualified candidates seeking admission into Federal and participating State Technical Colleges across Nigeria, marking another milestone in the Federal Government’s drive to strengthen technical and vocational education.
Speaking at the inauguration of the national selection and placement exercise in Abuja on Monday, NABTEB Registrar and Chief Executive Officer, Dr Mohammed Aminu, said the exercise was designed to ensure that successful candidates are admitted through a transparent, merit-based and equitable process.
According to the board, 15,290 candidates registered for the 2026 National Common Entrance Examination into technical colleges, while 13,848 candidates eventually sat for the examination.
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Of those who participated, 10,426 candidates, representing 75.29 per cent, scored 50 per cent and above, making them eligible for consideration during the placement exercise. In addition, 5,708 candidates or 41.22 per cent scored at least 70 per cent, reflecting a strong performance among candidates.
Aminu described the placement exercise as the crucial link between the entrance examination and final admission into technical colleges, stressing that the process would strictly comply with the admission guidelines approved by the Federal Ministry of Education.
He said the exercise would ensure qualified candidates are fairly, transparently and appropriately placed in line with approved admission procedures.
The registrar noted that admissions would be guided by merit, equity, transparency, accountability and the Federal Character Principle, urging members of the selection committee to carry out their responsibilities with integrity and impartiality.
He also highlighted improvements introduced during this year’s examination, including the deployment of Computer-Based Testing (CBT), enhanced digital result processing and an Artificial Intelligence-powered aptitude placement system aimed at improving efficiency, accuracy and transparency throughout the admission process.
Aminu reiterated that technical colleges should no longer be viewed as institutions of second choice but as centres for innovation, entrepreneurship and skills development capable of producing the workforce required for Nigeria’s industrial growth.
He commended the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, for driving reforms focused on expanding technical education through greater investment in skills acquisition, stronger collaboration with industries and increased adoption of digital technologies.
The registrar also appealed to state governments, school administrators, parents, communities and development partners to intensify advocacy for technical education and encourage more young Nigerians to pursue vocational careers.
The placement exercise comes as the Federal Government continues to expand its Technical and Vocational Education and Training programme to address youth unemployment, bridge Nigeria’s skills gap and provide industries with competent technicians, artisans and technologists.
In recent years, the Ministry of Education has expanded enrolment into Federal Technical Colleges, revised the TVET curriculum, strengthened partnerships with industries and increased investments in vocational education.
The annual National Common Entrance Examination conducted by NABTEB serves as the gateway into Federal and participating State Technical Colleges, where students receive competency-based training in engineering, ICT, agriculture, construction, hospitality and other vocational trades aligned with labour market demands.
