The National Business and Technical Examinations Board has commenced the selection and placement exercise for the 2026 National Common Entrance Examination into technical colleges across Nigeria, with over 10,000 candidates qualifying for consideration.

NABTEN Registrar and Chief Executive, Dr Mohammed Aminu, disclosed this on Monday in Abuja, noting that 15,290 candidates had registered for the entrance examination while 13,848 eventually sat for the test nationwide. Of those who sat, 10,426 candidates representing 75.29% scored 50% and above, while 5,708 candidates representing 41.22% scored at least 70%.

Aminu described the placement exercise as a critical bridge between assessment and admission, stressing that the process would be conducted with fairness and transparency.

"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 registrar confirmed that admissions would be guided by merit, equity, accountability, transparency and the Federal Character Principle, and urged selection committee members to discharge their responsibilities with integrity and impartiality.

Aminu also highlighted improvements in examination conduct, noting that NABTEB deployed computer based testing, enhanced digital result processing and an artificial intelligence powered aptitude placement system to strengthen efficiency and transparency in the 2026 cycle.

He pushed back against the perception of technical colleges as second choice institutions, describing them instead as centres for innovation and entrepreneurship. He maintained that strengthening Technical and Vocational Education and Training remained essential to producing skilled technicians, artisans, and technologists capable of driving Nigeria's industrialisation and economic diversification.

The registrar commended the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, for reforms aimed at repositioning technical education through increased investment, stronger industry partnerships and digital innovation, and called on governments, parents and communities to intensify advocacy for vocational education among young Nigerians.