The Federal Government has announced the successful conduct of the 2026 National Common Entrance Examination for students seeking admission into various Federal and State Science and Technical Colleges across the country. ​This year’s exercise marks a significant milestone in Nigeria’s educational sector, as the Federal Ministry of Education officially piloted a Computer-Based Test (CBT) format for the examinations.
The transition initiative was coordinated by the National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB). ​Speaking during a monitoring exercise of the examination centers, officials from the Federal Ministry of Education commended the smooth execution of both the traditional paper-based tests and the newly introduced digital format. ​
The introduction of the CBT pilot is part of the government’s broader strategy to modernize technical education assessment, reduce examination malpractice, and ensure the speedy release of results. ​”The successful piloting of the computer-based test is a testament to our commitment to integrating technology into our educational frameworks,” a ministry representative stated.
“Technical education is the bedrock of industrialization, and our assessment methods must reflect 21st-century realities.” ​As the primary body tasking with coordinating the pilot, NABTEB deployed robust technical infrastructure across selected urban centers to ensure minimal downtime.
According to preliminary reports, the CBT portal experienced high stability, and students adapted quickly to the digital interface. ​While the paper-pencil test was still maintained in the majority of centers to ensure inclusivity for rural areas lacking digital infrastructure, the government plans to gradually scale up the CBT option in subsequent years.
​Stakeholders, including parents and school administrators, have lauded the initiative, noting that early exposure to CBT prepares technical students for global ICT standards. The Federal Ministry of Education has assured candidates that the results for the 2026 common entrance will be processed and released timeously to facilitate seamless admissions for the upcoming academic session.
