The National Business and Technical Examination Board (NABTEB) has announced an extension of the registration period for the 2026 National Common Entrance Examination (NCEE) for admission into technical colleges, assuring stakeholders of a smooth and efficient process.
The board’s Registrar and Chief Executive Officer, Aminu Mohammed, made this known in a statement on Sunday through NABTEB’s Assistant Director of Media and Protocol, Uchechukwu Olisah.
According to Mr. Mohammed, the board has approved a four-month registration window to ease pressures on candidates and their families. Registration will commence on January 26, 2026, and close on May 24, 2026, while the examination is scheduled to take place nationwide on June 6, 2026.
The registrar explained that the timeline follows approval of the 2026 examination and registration framework by the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa. He stated:
“This extended timeline is a deliberate policy decision to allow adequate preparation, reduce congestion on the registration platform, and minimise financial and logistical burdens on parents and guardians.”
Mr. Mohammed further noted that NABTEB has reinforced its administrative and technological systems to ensure a user-friendly, accessible, and disruption-free registration process. “Comprehensive measures have been put in place to guarantee a smooth and stress-free registration experience for candidates, parents, guardians, and schools, while maintaining the highest standards of examination integrity,” he added.
The registrar also cautioned prospective candidates to register only through NABTEB’s official online portal, warning against the use of unauthorised agents or third-party platforms. “All applications must be processed exclusively through NABTEB’s official portal. Candidates and guardians are advised to complete registration well ahead of the deadline to avoid last-minute challenges,” he said.
Reaffirming NABTEB’s commitment to professionalism and transparency, Mr. Mohammed emphasized the board’s focus on expanding access to technical education while safeguarding the credibility of its examinations.
He encouraged Nigerians to embrace technical and vocational education and training (TVET) as a pathway to employable skills, entrepreneurship, and economic self-reliance. “Technical and vocational education equip young people with practical competencies required for national development. Nigerians are encouraged to choose skills, choose opportunity, and choose a secure future,” he said.
Finally, Mr. Mohammed assured that NABTEB would continue working closely with the Federal Ministry of Education and other stakeholders to strengthen skills-based education and support Nigeria’s human capital development goals.
