NABTEB Conducts First Computer-Based National Entrance Examination, Releases Results Within 72 Hours

The National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB) has successfully conducted its first-ever computer-based National Common Entrance Examination (NCEE) for admission into Federal and State Technical Colleges across Nigeria.

The board described the exercise as a major step in its ongoing digital transformation aimed at improving the efficiency, transparency and credibility of its examination processes.

The announcement was made on Monday in Abuja by the Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of NABTEB, Dr. Mohammed Mohammed, during the 2026 selection and placement exercise for successful candidates seeking admission into Federal and State Technical Colleges.

Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of NABTEB, Dr. Mohammed Mohammed.

NABTEB Releases CBT Results in Just 72 Hours

According to the registrar, one of the biggest achievements recorded during the examination was the speedy release of results.

He disclosed that candidates who participated in the computer-based examination (CBT) received their results within 72 hours, while the results of the traditional paper-and-pencil examination were processed and released within 21 days using the newly developed NABTEB Aptitude Placement Test (NAPAT) system.

Dr. Mohammed said the achievement reflects the board's commitment to embracing modern technology in delivering reliable and transparent examination services.

"This achievement underscores our commitment to deploying technology in the delivery of credible, efficient and transparent examination services," he stated.

Over 15,000 Candidates Registered for the Examination

The registrar revealed that 15,290 candidates registered for the 2026 National Common Entrance Examination, which was held on 13 June 2026.

Out of the registered candidates, 13,848 eventually participated in the examination conducted nationwide.

The examination took place across 34 Federal Technical Colleges and 168 State Technical Colleges located in the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

More Than 10,000 Candidates Scored 50% and Above

NABTEB also released the overall performance statistics of candidates who sat for the examination.

According to the board:

• 10,426 candidates, representing 75.29%, scored 50 per cent and above.
• 5,708 candidates, representing 41.22%, scored 70 per cent and above.

Dr. Mohammed described the performance as encouraging and said it provides a solid foundation for the ongoing admission and placement exercise into technical colleges across the country.

Selection Process Will Be Based on Merit

Speaking during the event, the NABTEB registrar stressed that the selection and placement exercise must be conducted fairly and transparently.

He urged members of the admission committee to carry out their responsibilities with honesty, professionalism and impartiality.

According to him, successful candidates will be admitted based on approved Federal Government admission guidelines, including:

• Merit
• Available admission spaces
• Candidates' preferred trade programmes
• Catchment area considerations where applicable
• Other approved admission requirements

He emphasised that every qualified Nigerian child should have an equal opportunity to secure admission into technical colleges.

NABTEB Calls for Greater Support for Technical Education

Dr. Mohammed also appealed to parents, guardians and other stakeholders to change the perception that technical colleges are meant for students who cannot gain admission into conventional secondary schools or universities.

He noted that technical colleges play an important role in producing skilled artisans, technicians, craftsmen, technologists and entrepreneurs needed to drive Nigeria's industrial development.

According to him, strengthening Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) remains one of the most effective ways to promote employment, innovation and economic growth.

He added that NABTEB will continue working closely with the Federal Ministry of Education by improving assessment systems, expanding the use of digital technology, strengthening quality assurance and enhancing collaboration with stakeholders.

Federal Government to Upgrade Technical College Workshops

Also speaking at the event, the Director of Technology and Science Education at the Federal Ministry of Education, Patricia Ogungbemi, who represented the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, announced fresh measures to improve technical education across Nigeria.

She disclosed that the Federal Government has ordered a nationwide verification of student enrolment figures as well as an assessment of workshop facilities in all Federal Technical Colleges.

According to her, the exercise will provide accurate information needed for the immediate distribution of workshop tools while plans are being finalised to rehabilitate workshops and provide modern equipment.

She further revealed that the ministry has reviewed tuition fees and other charges in Federal Technical Colleges to make technical education more affordable and accessible to Nigerian students.

Ogungbemi encouraged members of the admission committee to ensure that the selection exercise is conducted with fairness, transparency and professionalism.

Admission Committee Urged to Follow Guidelines

Representing the Chairperson of the Federal Science and Technical College Admission and Placement Committee (FETCAP), Akintunde Samuel described the placement exercise as an important stage in ensuring qualified candidates gain admission into technical colleges.

He urged committee members to strictly follow the approved admission guidelines and perform their duties diligently.

According to him, a transparent placement process will further strengthen Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) and help Nigeria produce the skilled workforce required for national development.

What This Means for Candidates

The successful conduct of NABTEB's first computer-based National Common Entrance Examination marks another significant step towards the digitalisation of Nigeria's examination system.

For candidates seeking admission into Federal and State Technical Colleges, the faster release of results means quicker processing of admissions and placement into their preferred institutions.

With the Federal Government also planning to improve workshop facilities, validate enrolment figures and reduce financial barriers, technical education is expected to become more attractive to students interested in acquiring practical and industry-relevant skills.

StudentPortals.com.ng will continue to provide the latest updates on NABTEB, technical college admissions, TVET programmes and other education-related news across Nigeria.