The National Business and Technical Examinations Board has commenced the selection of pioneer students into Federal Technical Colleges across the country.

The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, disclosed this during the opening of the selection exercise held at NABTEB?s headquarters in Benin City, Edo State.

Alausa, who was represented by the Director of Technology and Science Education in the ministry, Dr. Muyibat Olodo, said the process is aligned with the recently launched Technical and Vocational Education and Training programme of the Federal Ministry of Education.

He noted that the selection exercise is a critical step toward achieving one of the core mandates of the TVET initiative, which was launched on May 30, 2025.

Describing the selection as an annual exercise with renewed focus, the minister said it would ensure that candidates who applied for admission into FTCs at the National Technical Certificate and National Business Certificate levels are admitted strictly based on merit and performance in the qualifying examination conducted by NABTEB on June 14, 2025.

?We have faced persistent challenges of low enrolment in our colleges due to societal and parental apathy toward technical and vocational education. However, with the federal government?s free tuition initiative for students in Federal Technical Colleges, we are beginning to see a gradual shift in public perception,? Alausa said.

He added, ?Our FTCs must therefore deliver well-structured and purpose-driven programmes that enable students to acquire relevant skills, undergo proper assessment, and receive certification that meets both government expectations and the demands of the public.?

As part of efforts to expand access to technical education, the minister revealed that two new Federal Technical Colleges have been established in Enugu and Plateau states, and are set to begin academic activities in the 2026/2027 session.

He noted that this will raise the total number of FTCs in the country to 34, with three more planned for establishment soon.

The Federal Government recently announced plans to convert Federal Science and Technical Colleges to full-fledged Federal Technical Colleges to overhaul technical education in the country.

The reform is said to be part of a broader strategy to reposition Nigeria?s Technical and Vocational Education and Training sector as a viable and attractive pathway for youth employment and economic development.

The transition is expected to begin in September, marking the start of a new admission cycle that will exclude science-based enrolments.

He also announced the recent unveiling of the National Policy on Skills Development, adding that plans are underway to sensitise stakeholders across the country on the policy?s implementation.

Speaking at the event, NABTEB Registrar and Chief Executive Officer, Prof. Mohammed Mohammed, urged those involved in the selection process to uphold fairness and transparency, noting that their decisions would shape the future of young Nigerians seeking technical education.

?At NABTEB, it is our firm position that every successful candidate should be able to access their results on the NABTEB portal promptly and proceed to collect their admission letters from their designated colleges without delay,? Mohammed said.

The week-long selection exercise, expected to end on Friday, is being conducted with the active participation of principals of Federal Technical Colleges, officials of the Federal Ministry of Education, and NABTEB staff. (The PUNCH)

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