The National Business and Technical Examinations Board has commenced the 2026 selection and placement of successful candidates into federal and participating state technical colleges across Nigeria.
The Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of NABTEB, Dr Mohammed Aminu, announced the commencement of the exercise on Monday in Abuja, describing it as a crucial stage in the admission process for candidates who participated in the 2026 National Common Entrance Examination.
According to him, the placement process is aimed at ensuring that qualified candidates are admitted into technical colleges in a fair, transparent and merit-based manner.
“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,” Aminu said.
He disclosed that 15,290 candidates registered for the entrance examination, while 13,848 eventually sat for the test across the country.
Of those who took the examination, 10,426 candidates, representing 75.29 per cent, scored at least 50 per cent, while 5,708 candidates, or 41.22 per cent, obtained 70 per cent and above.
Aminu said the placement exercise would be guided by 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 realised when it is followed by a transparent, credible and objective selection and placement process,” he stated.
The NABTEB registrar also highlighted recent innovations introduced by the board, including computer-based testing, enhanced digital result processing and an Artificial Intelligence-powered aptitude placement system designed to improve efficiency and transparency.
He described technical colleges as centres for innovation, entrepreneurship and skills development, stressing that they should no longer be viewed as institutions of second choice.
According to him, strengthening Technical and Vocational Education and Training remains essential to producing the skilled workforce required to drive Nigeria’s industrialisation and economic diversification.
Aminu commended the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, for spearheading reforms aimed at revitalising technical education through increased investment in skills acquisition, stronger collaboration with industry and digital innovation.
He also appealed to governments, parents, school administrators, communities and development partners to promote technical education and encourage more young Nigerians to acquire vocational skills.
The Federal Government has in recent years intensified efforts to reposition Technical and Vocational Education and Training as a key component of its education reform agenda through expanded enrolment, curriculum review, stronger industry partnerships and increased investment in skills development.
