The Federal Government has rolled out applications for admission into Federal Technical Colleges across Nigeria, reaffirming its commitment to free technical education and skills development.
The announcement was made by the Federal Ministry of Education following the approval of the initiative by the Minister, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa.
According to a press statement released on Monday by Boriowo Folasade, Director of Press and Public Relations in the Ministry, the initiative aligns with the Federal Government’s broader strategy to expand access to quality technical and vocational education and to equip young Nigerians with practical, employable and industry-relevant skills.
The statement said registration for the National Common Entrance Examination (NCEE) into Federal Technical Colleges will open on Monday, January 26, 2026, and close on Sunday, May 4, 2026.
It added that the entrance examination will 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 via the designated website: https://student.nabteb.gov.ng/.”
The ministry emphasised that possession of a valid National Identification Number (NIN) was compulsory for all applicants and remained a prerequisite for successful registration.
It further reiterated that technical education in Federal Technical Colleges was fully funded upon admission, underscoring the government’s commitment to human capital development, youth empowerment and enhanced national productivity.
“Admission is open to candidates aged between 13 and 20 years. Parents, guardians and prospective candidates are advised to strictly comply with all application requirements and obtain information solely from official channels of the Federal Ministry of Education and designated examination bodies.
“The statement added that the Federal Ministry of Education remains focused on 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,” it added.

