A total of 15,281 candidates across Nigeria on Saturday participated in the 2026 National Common Entrance Examination (NCEE) for admission into Federal and State Technical Colleges, highlighting growing interest in technical and vocational education nationwide.
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The examination, organised by the National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB), was conducted simultaneously in 203 centres across the country.
Speaking while monitoring the exercise at the Federal Technical College, Uromi, Edo State, NABTEB Registrar and Chief Executive Officer, Aminu Mohammed, said the examination forms part of ongoing efforts by the Federal Government to strengthen Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) as a pathway to youth empowerment, employment, and economic development.
According to him, the 15,281 candidates comprised 10,626 males and 4,655 females seeking admission into various technical and vocational programmes offered in technical colleges nationwide.
Mohammed described the turnout as encouraging, noting that it reflects increasing awareness of the importance of vocational and technical education in addressing unemployment and developing a skilled workforce for the country.
He explained that TVET remains a key component of the government’s strategy to equip young Nigerians with practical and industry-relevant skills needed in today’s labour market.
“The National Common Entrance Examination provides young Nigerians with the opportunity to acquire quality technical and vocational education that can prepare them with employable skills and entrepreneurial capabilities,” he said.
The registrar revealed that candidates sat for examinations in 28 different trades and vocational disciplines.
Among the courses offered, Electrical Installation and Maintenance Practice recorded the highest number of applicants with 3,875 candidates.
This was followed by Computer Hardware and GSM Repairs, which attracted 2,850 candidates, while Catering Craft Practice had 1,777 applicants.
Other popular programmes included Bricklaying, Blocklaying and Concreting with 1,552 candidates, Automobile Mechanics with 1,154 candidates, and Fashion Design and Garment Making, which recorded 940 candidates.
Mohammed further disclosed that Enugu State recorded the highest number of registered candidates with 1,506 applicants, while Zamfara State had the lowest participation, with only 14 candidates.
He noted that NABTEB implemented extensive measures to ensure the credibility and smooth conduct of the examination, including the secure distribution of examination materials, deployment of supervisors, and collaboration with security agencies across the country.
Monitoring teams from NABTEB headquarters and zonal offices were also deployed to examination centres nationwide to ensure strict compliance with examination guidelines and standards.
According to preliminary reports, the examination commenced smoothly in most centres, with candidates and officials adhering to laid-down procedures.
The NABTEB boss also announced plans for the gradual introduction of Computer-Based Testing (CBT) into the examination process.
As part of preparations, a pilot CBT exercise involving 30 students was conducted at the Federal Technical College, Uromi, to assess the readiness of facilities, personnel, and candidates.
“We are preparing for the future. The pilot exercise is aimed at evaluating our readiness and ensuring a seamless transition when computer-based examinations are fully implemented,” Mohammed stated.
He expressed satisfaction with the conduct of the examination in Edo State, noting that improved access control measures introduced by NABTEB, the Federal Ministry of Education, and school authorities had strengthened examination security.
Mohammed reiterated the board’s commitment to maintaining the integrity of its examinations and warned candidates against impersonation, examination malpractice, and other forms of misconduct.
Also speaking, the Executive Chairman of the Edo State Board for Technical and Vocational Education, Onomen Briggs, described the planned migration to computer-based examinations as a major step toward modernising technical education in Nigeria.
She said Edo State was working closely with NABTEB and other stakeholders to improve workshop facilities and practical training infrastructure in technical colleges.
Briggs emphasised that technical and vocational institutions remain critical to producing the skilled manpower needed for industrial growth, job creation, and national development.
The 2026 NCEE is expected to provide thousands of young Nigerians with access to technical education programmes that can equip them with practical skills and enhance their prospects in an increasingly competitive economy.
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