NABTEB releases Common Entrance Exams as 10,426 candidates score above 50%

A total of 10,426 candidates, representing 75.29% scored 50% and above in the 2026 National Common Entrance Examinations (NCEE).

Mohammed Aminu Mohammed, the Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of NABTEB disclosed this while announcing the release of the results on Tuesday, July 7, 2026 at a press briefing in Benin City.

He said a total of 15,290 candidates registered for the examination, comprising 10,638 males, representing 69.57% and 4,652 females, representing 30.43^

He said out of those who enrolled, 13,848 candidates, representing 90.57% sat for the examination, while 1,442 candidates, representing 9.43% were absent.

Mohammed added that among those who sat for the examination, 9,632 were males, representing 69.56%, while 4,216 were females, representing 30.44%.

The NABTEB boss added that the 2026 enrolment was 13,970, representing a 47.74% decline from the 2025 enrolment of 29,260 candidates.

According to him, “Out of the 10,426 candidates that scored 50% and above, 4,102, representing 63.48%, are those seeking admission into the Federal Technical Colleges, while 6,324, representing 85.62% are those seeking admission into the State Technical Colleges.

“Thirty-one candidates, representing 0.22%, scored the highest mark of 96% and above.

“Out of the 31 candidates, four, representing 0.06%, are those seeking admission into the Federal Technical Colleges, while 27 candidates, representing 0.37%, are those seeking admission into the State Technical Colleges.

“Also 5,708 candidates representing 41.22% scored 70% and above and 3,422 candidates representing 24.71% scored below 50%. 1,765 representing 27.31% scored 70% and above; 2,360 (36.52%) scored below 50%”, he said.

Mohammed also said that a total of 7,215 candidates registered for the examination in 34 Federal Technical Colleges, while 8,075 candidates registered in the 168 State Technical Colleges.

He stated that the examination was conducted under peaceful conditions and in compliance with the board’s quality assurance guidelines, as candidates enrolled in 28 trades.

He said the trades were grouped into five clusters comprising Mechanical, Electrical, Construction, Creative and Culinary, and Agricultural Technology.

“Electrical Installation and Maintenance Practice recorded the highest enrolment with 3,870 candidates, followed by Computer Hardware and GSM Repairs/Maintenance with 2,857.

“Catering Craft Practice, 1,780; Bricklaying, Blocklaying and Concreting, 1,553; Automobile Mechanics, 1,156; and Fashion Design and Garment Making, 940,” he added.

He, however, noted that Tiling and Cladding recorded the lowest enrolment with one candidate, while Social Media Content Creation and Management recorded two candidates; Fish Farming Activities, three; Motorcycle and Tricycle Repairs, five; Creative Media, six; Automobile CNG Conversion, nine; and Leather Works, 18.

The NABTEB Registrar/Chief Executive Officer said registration for the supplementary National Common Entrance Examination would commence before the end of July to enable more prospective candidates to enrol.

Mohammed urged parents and guardians to encourage their children to embrace Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).

“The future of work is increasingly driven by skills, innovation, creativity and technology. Technical Colleges provide young Nigerians with practical competencies that prepare them for self-reliance, employment, entrepreneurship and lifelong learning,” he stated.