By Gabriel Ameh
The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to free technical education and skills development with the commencement of applications for admission into Federal Technical Colleges across the country.
The announcement was made by the Federal Ministry of Education following the approval of the initiative by the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa.
This was contained in statement signed by Boriowo Folasade Director, Press and Public Relations
According to the ststatement the ministry stated that the initiative is part of the Federal Government’s broader strategy to expand access to quality technical and vocational education, while equipping young Nigerians with practical, employable, and industry-relevant skills needed for national development.
Registration for the National Common Entrance Examination (NCEE) into Federal Technical Colleges will commence on Monday, January 26, 2026, and close on Sunday, May 24, 2026. The entrance examination is scheduled to be conducted nationwide on Saturday, June 6, 2026.

Prospective candidates are required to complete their applications through the official National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB) online portal at https://student.nabteb.gov.ng.
The Ministry emphasised that possession of a valid National Identification Number (NIN) is mandatory for all applicants and remains a prerequisite for successful registration.
It further reiterated that technical education in Federal Technical Colleges is fully funded upon admission, underscoring the government’s commitment to human capital development, youth empowerment, and enhanced national productivity.
Admission is open to candidates between the ages of 13 and 20 years. Parents, guardians, and prospective candidates have been advised to strictly adhere to all application requirements and obtain information only from official channels of the Federal Ministry of Education and designated examination bodies.
The Federal Ministry of Education reaffirmed its resolve to continue expanding access to free, quality technical education that empowers youths with relevant skills, promotes self-reliance, and contributes meaningfully to national economic growth and sustainable development.
