The nationwide exercise, coordinated by the National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB), was completed without major incidents across designated examination centres, according to the Federal Ministry of Education.
The pilot computer-based test (CBT), introduced alongside the traditional paper-based examination, marked a significant milestone in the government's broader effort to modernise educational assessments and improve examination administration across the country.
The development was disclosed in a statement issued on Sunday by the Ministry's Director of Press and Public Relations, Boriowo Folasade.
Smooth Conduct Across Examination Centres
According to the ministry, the entrance examination was conducted successfully in centres nationwide, including the Federal Technical College, Orozo, and Government Secondary School, Garki, both located in Abuja.
The monitoring exercise was led by the Director of Technology and Science Education, Mrs Patricia Ogungbemi, who represented the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa.
During her visit to examination centres, Ogungbemi encouraged candidates to consider technical and vocational education as a viable route to career development, entrepreneurship, and economic empowerment.
She emphasised that technical education remains one of the most practical pathways for young Nigerians seeking skills that are directly relevant to the labour market.
Promoting Skills for Employment and Entrepreneurship
Speaking to candidates, Ogungbemi highlighted the numerous opportunities available to graduates of technical colleges, noting that the institutions equip students with hands-on training and industry-relevant competencies.
She also drew attention to various government-backed programmes designed to support innovation, job creation, and small business development among young Nigerians.
Education stakeholders have increasingly advocated for stronger investment in technical and vocational education, arguing that it can help bridge Nigeria's skills gap while reducing youth unemployment.
The Federal Government has in recent years intensified efforts to reposition technical colleges as centres for practical learning capable of producing skilled workers for key sectors of the economy.
Pilot CBT Signals Digital Transformation
One of the major highlights of the 2026 entrance examination was the introduction of a pilot computer-based test conducted immediately after the conventional examination.
According to the ministry, the exercise was designed to evaluate the country's preparedness for a gradual transition from paper-based assessments to a fully digital examination system.
“A major feature of the exercise was the pilot CBT session conducted after the conventional examination. The initiative was designed to assess readiness for the future transition to a fully computer-based examination system.
“The successful conduct of both exercises underscores the Federal Government’s commitment to digital transformation, assessment integrity, and quality technical education,” the statement read.
Officials believe the transition to CBT will improve efficiency, reduce examination malpractice, enhance result processing, and align Nigeria's education system with global technological standards.
Part of Broader Examination Reforms
The latest initiative forms part of ongoing reforms aimed at digitising major public examinations across Nigeria.
The move follows similar steps already being implemented by the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and the National Examinations Council (NECO) in the conduct of Senior Secondary School Certificate Examinations.
Education experts view the adoption of technology-driven assessments as a critical component of modernising the country's education sector and preparing students for an increasingly digital economy.
With the successful pilot exercise, the Federal Government is expected to review the outcome and develop a roadmap for the eventual full implementation of computer-based entrance examinations for technical colleges nationwide.
The development reinforces the government's commitment to expanding access to quality technical education while leveraging technology to strengthen transparency, efficiency, and credibility in Nigeria's examination system.