The Chief Executive Officer of the National Business and Technical Examinations Board, Dr Muhammed Aminu Muhammed, has reaffirmed that technical education offers Nigeria its most viable route to employment, entrepreneurship and sustainable economic development.
The Punch reported that Muhammed made the remarks on Tuesday while inspecting the ongoing 2026 May/June NABTEB examinations at the Federal Technical College, Awka, Anambra State, as part of the Board’s nationwide monitoring of examination centres.
Addressing officials during the visit, he emphasised the importance of equipping young Nigerians with practical skills capable of driving self-employment and national growth.
He said, “Technical education remains the Nigeria’s strongest pathway to employment, entrepreneurship and national economic growth.
“The future of Nigeria depends on equipping young people with practical skills that will enable them to create jobs rather than wait endlessly for white-collar jobs.
“Effective leadership within a school naturally reflects in students’ performance and the quality of teaching and learning.”
Muhammed revealed that over 167,000 candidates are participating in this year’s NABTEB examinations across the country, with 226 candidates writing their papers at the Federal Technical College, Awka.
During the inspection, the NABTEB Registrar observed the Physics practical examination, assessed the arrangement of candidates, interacted with examination officials and evaluated the overall conduct of the exercise.
He expressed satisfaction with the standard of organisation at the Awka centre, describing it as one of the best-managed technical colleges he had visited during the nationwide monitoring exercise.
He also praised the conduct of the practical examination, noting that candidates were effectively grouped to ensure a smooth and orderly process despite the high number of participants.
Reviewing the exercise nationwide, Muhammed said the 2026 examinations have recorded significant improvements compared to those conducted in 2025.
According to him, the progress is a result of improved supervision by school principals, enhanced coordination by NABTEB officials and increased collaboration with security agencies to protect the integrity of the examinations.
“In every area, this year’s examination is better than last year’s,” he added.
Muhammed further stressed that the practical aspect of the NABTEB examinations remains vital to the Board’s objective of producing graduates with marketable skills capable of improving their livelihoods and contributing to national development.
He added that strengthening technical education is critical to tackling unemployment, empowering young people and building a more productive economy.
