The Federal Government has officially opened applications for admission into Federal Technical Colleges across Nigeria, launching a nationwide initiative to expand access to free technical and vocational education.
The announcement, made on Monday by the Federal Ministry of Education’s Director of Press and Public Relations, Boriowo Folasade, follows approval from the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa.
According to the ministry’s statement, registration for the National Common Entrance Examination into Federal Technical Colleges begins on Monday, January 26, 2026, and closes on Sunday, May 24, 2026.
Prospective candidates are required to apply through the official National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB) online portal at: https://student.nabteb.gov.ng
“The entrance examination will be conducted nationwide on Saturday, June 6, 2026,” the statement added.
The federal initiative is part of the government’s broader strategy to equip young Nigerians with practical, employable and industry-relevant skills, addressing youth unemployment and strengthening the nation’s technical workforce.
Key requirements and details include:
Valid National Identification Number (NIN) is compulsory for all applicants.
Age eligibility: Candidates must be between 13 and 20 years old.
Education in Federal Technical Colleges is fully funded upon admission, the government emphasised.
Parents, guardians and prospective candidates were urged to strictly comply with all application requirements and seek information only from official channels of the Federal Ministry of Education and designated examination bodies.
The Federal Government said the programme underscores its commitment to empowering youths with relevant skills, promoting self-reliance, and contributing meaningfully to national economic growth and sustainable development.
