15,281 Candidates Registered for 2026 NABTEB Technical College Common Entrance Examination Nationwide

The National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB) has announced that no fewer than 15,281 candidates participated in the 2026 National Common Entrance Examination (NCEE) for admission into Technical Colleges across Nigeria.

The examination, which was conducted on Saturday in 203 centres nationwide, was personally monitored by the Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of NABTEB, Dr. Mohammed Aminu Mohammed, during a visit to the Federal Technical College, Uromi Centre in Edo State.

Speaking with journalists after the monitoring exercise, Dr. Mohammed disclosed that male candidates accounted for the majority of registrations, with 10,626 entries, while 4,655 female candidates registered for the examination.

According to the NABTEB Registrar, Enugu State recorded the highest number of candidates, with 1,506 registrations, while Zamfara State had the lowest, with only 14 candidates enrolled.

He further revealed that candidates are seeking admission into 28 different technical and vocational trades. Electrical Installation and Maintenance Practice emerged as the most preferred trade, attracting 3,875 candidates.

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Other popular trades include Computer Hardware and GSM Repairs with 2,850 candidates; Catering Craft Practice with 1,777 candidates; Bricklaying, Blocklaying, and Concreting with 1,552 candidates; Automobile Mechanics with 1,154 candidates; and Fashion Design and Garment Making with 940 candidates.

Additional trades include Welding and Fabrication (565 candidates), Woodwork, Carpentry, and Joinery (421 candidates), and Electronics System Maintenance (394 candidates). Tiling and Cladding recorded the lowest enrolment, with only one candidate nationwide.

Dr. Mohammed noted that reports received from monitoring officers across the country indicated that the examination commenced smoothly in most centres, with candidates and officials conducting themselves appropriately.

“The examination, being conducted simultaneously in designated centres nationwide today, marks another important milestone in the Federal Government’s commitment to strengthening Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) as a strategic pathway for national development, youth empowerment, skills acquisition, entrepreneurship, and economic self-reliance.”

The NABTEB boss explained that extensive measures were put in place to ensure a transparent and credible examination process.

“As the designated national examining body for the NCEE to Technical Colleges, NABTEB has put in place comprehensive arrangements to ensure a seamless, transparent, credible, and hitch-free conduct of the examination.”

“These arrangements include the secure production and distribution of examination materials, deployment of supervisory personnel, monitoring teams, and collaboration with relevant security agencies and stakeholders.”

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He added that officials from NABTEB headquarters, zonal offices, and other critical stakeholders were deployed nationwide to supervise the exercise and ensure compliance with examination guidelines.

“We commend the candidates, parents, school administrators, invigilators, supervisors, and security personnel for their cooperation and commitment towards the success of the exercise.”

Dr. Mohammed also reiterated the Board’s commitment to maintaining the integrity of its examinations and warned against all forms of malpractice.

“The Board remains resolute in its determination to uphold the integrity and credibility of all its examinations.”

“Consequently, any act capable of compromising the examination process, including impersonation, examination malpractice, unauthorised possession of examination materials, or any form of misconduct, will be dealt with in accordance with extant regulations.”

Highlighting the significance of technical education, the Registrar described the examination as an important gateway for young Nigerians seeking practical and employable skills in various technical fields.

“The National Common Entrance Examination for Technical Colleges provides a unique opportunity for young Nigerians to pursue quality technical and vocational education that equips them with employable skills and competencies required in today’s rapidly evolving world of work.”

“The Federal Government’s renewed emphasis on skills development underscores the strategic importance of Technical Colleges in producing the skilled workforce necessary for industrial growth and national prosperity.”

He assured stakeholders that NABTEB would continue to uphold professionalism, fairness, transparency, and accountability throughout the examination process while providing updates where necessary.

The 2026 NCEE serves as a key admission pathway into Federal and State Technical Colleges, supporting the Federal Government’s drive to expand technical and vocational education as a foundation for economic growth and workforce development.

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