NABTEB Begins 2026 Admission Placement Exercise into Technical Colleges Nationwide; Over 10,000 Candidates Qualified

The National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB) has commenced the 2026 selection and placement exercise for qualified candidates seeking admission into Federal and State Technical Colleges across Nigeria.

The exercise, which marks the final stage of the admission process, was announced on Monday in Abuja by the Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of NABTEB, Dr. Mohammed Aminu.

Speaking during the commencement of the placement exercise, Aminu said the process is designed to ensure that successful candidates from the 2026 National Common Entrance Examination (NCEE) for Technical Colleges are admitted based on merit and in line with the admission guidelines approved by the Federal Ministry of Education.

According to the registrar, 15,290 candidates registered for the entrance examination, while 13,848 candidates sat for the test nationwide.

He disclosed that 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, equivalent to 41.22 per cent, obtained 70 per cent or higher, reflecting a strong overall performance by candidates.

Describing the exercise as a critical phase of the admission process, Aminu said the placement exercise serves as the link between examination and admission, ensuring that candidates are fairly assigned to technical colleges based on approved criteria.

“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.

The NABTEB registrar explained that the placement exercise would be conducted in line with the principles of merit, equity, transparency, accountability and the Federal Character Principle.

He urged members of the selection committee to discharge their responsibilities with integrity, noting that the credibility of the entire admission process depends on an objective and transparent placement system.

Aminu also highlighted several technological innovations introduced during this year's admission process, including the deployment of Computer-Based Testing (CBT), enhanced digital result processing and an Artificial Intelligence (AI)-powered aptitude placement system designed to improve the speed, accuracy and fairness of candidate placement.

He described technical colleges as centres for innovation, entrepreneurship and practical skills acquisition, stressing that they should no longer be viewed as institutions of second choice.

According to him, strengthening Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) remains crucial to producing the skilled technicians, artisans and technologists required to drive Nigeria's industrialisation, economic diversification and job creation.

The registrar commended the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, for championing reforms aimed at repositioning technical education through greater investment in digital innovation, skills development and stronger collaboration between technical colleges and industry.

He also called on governments, parents, school administrators, communities and development partners to encourage more young Nigerians to embrace technical and vocational education, describing it as a viable pathway to employment, entrepreneurship and national development.