The Federal Government has opened the application portal for the National Common Entrance Examination (NCEE) into Federal Technical Colleges across the country, in a renewed push to promote free technical and vocational education in Nigeria.
The announcement was made in a statement issued on Monday in Abuja by the Director of Press and Public Relations of the Federal Ministry of Education, Mrs. Folasade Boriowo. She said the move followed the approval of the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa.
According to the statement, registration for the 2026 National Common Entrance Examination will begin on January 26 and close on May 24, while the examination itself will be conducted nationwide on June 6.
The Federal Government said the exercise is part of its broader strategy to expand access to quality technical and vocational education and to equip young Nigerians with practical skills needed for employment, self-reliance, and national development.
Speaking on the initiative, Education Minister Dr. Tunji Alausa said the government remains committed to repositioning technical education as a key pillar of Nigeria’s education system.
He explained that technical and vocational education plays a critical role in preparing young people for the labour market by giving them hands-on skills that are relevant to industries and small businesses.
“The aim is to provide young Nigerians with practical, employable, and industry-relevant skills that will help them become productive members of society,” Alausa said.
He urged parents, guardians, and prospective candidates to take advantage of the opportunity by ensuring timely and proper registration for the examination.
According to the minister, all applications must be completed online through the National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB) portal at https://student.nabteb.gov.ng
He stressed that possession of a valid National Identification Number (NIN) is compulsory for all applicants and remains a key requirement for successful registration.
“The NIN requirement is in line with government policy to maintain accurate records and ensure transparency in public examinations,” Alausa said.
The minister also clarified that candidates between the ages of 13 and 20 years are eligible to apply for admission into Federal Technical Colleges.
One of the major highlights of the announcement is the reaffirmation that education in Federal Technical Colleges is fully funded by the Federal Government upon admission. This means that students admitted into the colleges will not pay tuition fees.
Alausa described this as part of the government’s strong commitment to human capital development, youth empowerment, and increased national productivity.
“Technical education in federal technical colleges is free. This is to encourage more young Nigerians to acquire skills that can help them earn a living and contribute to the economy,” he said.
Federal Technical Colleges are designed to provide students with both basic education and technical training in areas such as electrical installation, mechanical engineering, automobile technology, welding and fabrication, building construction, computer craft, and other vocational trades.
Graduates of these colleges often go on to work as technicians, artisans, or entrepreneurs, while others further their education in technical institutions and polytechnics.
In recent years, the Federal Government has placed increased emphasis on technical and vocational education as a way to address youth unemployment and reduce overdependence on white-collar jobs.
Nigeria has a large youth population, with millions of young people entering the job market every year. However, many lack practical skills needed by employers, leading to high unemployment and underemployment.
The reopening of the NCEE portal is seen as part of ongoing efforts by the government to revive interest in technical education and change public perception that success only comes through university education.
In the past, Federal Technical Colleges suffered from low enrolment, poor facilities, and limited funding. However, recent reforms have focused on upgrading infrastructure, improving teaching quality, and making technical education more attractive to young people.
The Ministry of Education said it remains focused on expanding access to free, quality technical education to empower youths with relevant skills and promote sustainable economic growth.
Mrs. Boriowo, in the statement, urged parents and guardians to encourage their children to consider technical education as a viable and respectable career path.
She noted that many developed countries rely heavily on skilled technicians and craftsmen to drive their economies, adding that Nigeria must also invest in skills development to compete globally.
The National Common Entrance Examination serves as the gateway for admission into Federal Technical Colleges, similar to how the National Common Entrance is used for admission into Federal Government Colleges.
The exam is conducted nationwide to ensure equal opportunity for candidates from all parts of the country.
Education stakeholders have welcomed the announcement, saying it will help open doors for young Nigerians who may not have access to expensive private education.
Some parents also expressed hope that the free education policy would reduce the financial burden on families, especially in the face of rising living costs.
“This is a good opportunity for children who are interested in learning skills,” said a parent in Abuja. “Not everyone has to go to the university. Skills are very important.”
Others, however, called on the government to ensure that the colleges are properly equipped with modern tools, workshops, and qualified instructors to deliver quality training.
They stressed that free education must also be meaningful and competitive if it is to achieve its intended goals.
As the registration window opens, prospective candidates are advised to carefully read all instructions on the NABTEB portal and ensure that their information is correctly entered.
The Ministry of Education warned that late registration would not be entertained after the May 24 deadline.
With the examination scheduled for June 6, candidates are encouraged to begin preparation early and take the process seriously.
