NABTEB has commenced the 2026 selection and placement exercise for admission into federal and state technical colleges, deploying AI-powered aptitude assessment and computer-based testing to ensure merit, transparency and fairness.
The National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB) has commenced the 2026 selection and placement exercise for qualified candidates into state and federal technical colleges nationwide.
The Registrar and Chief Executive of NABTEB, Dr Mohammed Aminu, disclosed this on Monday in Abuja.
Examination results and participation figures
A total of 15,290 candidates registered for the entrance examination, while 13,848 eventually sat for the test nationwide. Of those, 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 described the placement exercise as the bridge between assessment and admission, and stressed that it would be governed by clear principles.
“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,” he said.
He added that admissions would be guided by merit, equity, accountability, transparency and the Federal Character Principle, and 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 said.
AI and computer-based testing deployed to improve process
Aminu 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 in the 2026 cycle.
Technical colleges reframed as innovation hubs, not second choice
The registrar used the occasion to push back against the perception of technical colleges as institutions of last resort, describing them instead as centres for innovation and entrepreneurship. He said 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.
He 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, and 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 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.
The Federal Government has in recent years intensified efforts to reposition Technical and Vocational Education and Training as a major pillar of its education reform agenda, expanding enrolment into federal technical colleges, introducing a revised TVET curriculum, strengthening partnerships with industries and increasing investments in skills acquisition to address youth unemployment and bridge Nigeria’s skills gap.
