NABTEB Extends Registration Timeline for 2026 NCEE

The NABTEB registration for the 2026 National Common Entrance Examination (NCEE) into Technical Colleges has officially been extended, providing students and parents ample time to complete their applications. The National Business and Technical Examination Board (NABTEB) assured stakeholders of a seamless and efficient registration process for the upcoming examination.

The Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of NABTEB, Mr. Aminu Mohammed, made the announcement through the board’s Deputy Director, Media and Protocol, Mr. Uchechukwu Olisah, in a statement issued from Benin on Sunday, January 25, 2026.

Extended Registration Timeline

According to Mr. Mohammed, the NABTEB registration window has been approved for a full four months to ease the registration process and reduce pressure on both candidates and their families. The registration period will begin on January 26, 2026 and close on May 24, 2026, while the examination is scheduled to be conducted nationwide on June 6, 2026.

Purpose of the Extended Timeline

The Registrar explained that the extension is a deliberate policy decision aimed at allowing candidates to adequately prepare, minimizing congestion on the registration platform, and reducing financial and logistical burdens on parents and guardians. NABTEB has strengthened its administrative and technological systems to ensure that the NABTEB registration process is user-friendly, accessible, and free from disruptions.

Official NABTEB Registration Portal

Mr. Mohammed emphasized that all prospective candidates should register exclusively through the official NABTEB online portal. He warned against using unauthorized agents or third-party platforms to avoid potential fraud or errors in registration.

“All applications must be processed exclusively through NABTEB’s official portal. Candidates and guardians are advised to complete their registration well ahead of the deadline to avoid last-minute challenges,” he said.

Commitment to Education and Skills Development

NABTEB’s CEO reaffirmed the board’s commitment to professionalism, transparency, and expanding access to technical education while safeguarding the credibility of its examinations. He encouraged Nigerians to embrace Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET), describing it as a pathway to employable skills, entrepreneurship, and economic self-reliance.

“Technical and Vocational Education and Training equips young people with practical competencies required for national development. Nigerians are encouraged to choose skills, choose opportunity, and choose a secure future,” Mr. Mohammed added.

Collaboration with Stakeholders

Furthermore, NABTEB will continue to collaborate closely with the Federal Ministry of Education and other stakeholders to strengthen skills-based education and support Nigeria’s human capital development goals. The board aims to ensure that the NABTEB registration and examination processes remain smooth, transparent, and beneficial to students across the country.

With this extended registration period, students aspiring to enroll in technical colleges now have more time to prepare and submit their applications, ensuring that no eligible candidate is left behind.