The Federal Government, through the Federal Ministry of Education, has announced the commencement of applications for admission into Federal Technical Colleges across Nigeria, as part of renewed efforts to strengthen skills-based education and prepare young Nigerians for productive participation in the economy.
The programme is designed to provide free, practical, and industry-focused technical education, aligning with the government’s broader agenda to expand access to quality technical and vocational training while reducing youth unemployment and skills gaps across key sectors of the economy. By prioritising hands-on learning, the initiative aims to equip students with competencies that support self-reliance, entrepreneurship, and employability.
According to the Ministry, registration for the National Common Entrance Examination into Federal Technical Colleges will begin on Monday, 26 January 2026, and close on Sunday, 24 May 2026. The examination is scheduled to hold nationwide on Saturday, 6 June 2026, providing eligible candidates an opportunity to gain admission into government-funded technical institutions.
The Ministry emphasised that possession of a valid National Identification Number remains compulsory for all applicants and is a key requirement for completing the registration process. It also reaffirmed that tuition and training in Federal Technical Colleges are fully funded upon admission, removing financial barriers for families and reinforcing the government’s commitment to inclusive human capital development.
Admission is open to candidates between the ages of 13 and 20 years. Parents, guardians, and prospective candidates have been advised to carefully follow all application guidelines and rely solely on official information issued by the Federal Ministry of Education and approved examination bodies to avoid misinformation.
The Ministry noted that expanding access to technical education remains central to building a skilled workforce capable of supporting Nigeria’s industrial growth, small business development, and long-term economic sustainability.
Prospective candidates are required to complete their applications through the official National Business and Technical Examinations Board online portal at https://student.nabteb.gov.ng/.
