The Federal Government has opened applications for admission into Federal Technical Colleges nationwide, offering tuition-free technical education to young Nigerians as part of efforts to strengthen skills acquisition and workforce development.
The development was announced by the Federal Ministry of Education after receiving approval from the Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa.
According to a statement issued by the ministry’s Director of Press, Boriowo Folashade, the initiative forms part of the government’s broader plan to widen access to quality technical and vocational education while equipping youths with practical, employable and industry-relevant skills.
“Registration for the National Common Entrance Examination (NCEE) into Federal Technical Colleges will open on Monday, 26 January 2026, and close on Sunday, 24 May 2026. The entrance examination will be conducted nationwide on Saturday, 6 June 2026,” the statement said.
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It added that candidates must complete their applications through the official online portal of the National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB) at
https://student.nabteb.gov.ng.
The ministry stressed that all applicants must possess a valid National Identification Number (NIN), which remains a mandatory requirement for successful registration.
The Federal Government also reaffirmed that education in Federal Technical Colleges is fully funded once candidates are admitted, highlighting its commitment to human capital development, youth empowerment and increased national productivity.
“Admission is open to candidates aged between 13 and 20 years. Parents, guardians and prospective candidates are 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,” she said.
She further noted that the ministry remains committed to expanding access to free, high-quality technical education that promotes self-reliance, equips youths with relevant skills and contributes to sustainable economic growth.
