ABUJA — The Federal Government has opened the application portal for the National Common Entrance Examination (NCEE) for admission into Federal Technical Colleges (FTCs) across Nigeria, reiterating that technical and vocational education in the colleges will be fully funded upon admission.
The announcement was contained in a statement issued on Monday by Folasade Boriowo, Director of Press and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Education, following approval by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa.
According to the ministry, online registration opens on Monday, January 26, 2026, and closes on Sunday, May 24, 2026, while the examination will be conducted nationwide on Saturday, June 6, 2026. Applicants are required to complete registration through the National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB) portal at https://student.nabteb.gov.ng.
Alausa said the initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s broader strategy to expand access to quality technical and vocational education, equipping young Nigerians with practical and industry-relevant skills that improve employability and support productivity.
The ministry stated that possession of a valid National Identification Number (NIN) is compulsory for all applicants and is a prerequisite for successful registration. It added that the exercise is open to candidates aged 13 to 20, urging parents, guardians, and prospective candidates to comply strictly with the requirements and rely only on official channels for accurate information.
Reaffirming the “free technical education” policy, the minister said tuition and training costs in FTCs are fully covered once candidates are admitted, describing the programme as part of the government’s human-capital development agenda, with a focus on youth empowerment and economic growth.
The Federal Ministry of Education advised candidates to complete applications early and to ensure their personal details—especially NIN information—are correctly provided to avoid delays during the registration and verification process.
