Nigeria may be moving closer to fully digital entrance examinations as the Federal Government pilots a Computer-Based Test (CBT) system for students seeking admission into technical colleges.
Alongside the 2026 National Common Entrance Examination (NCEE), the National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB) conducted a pilot CBT exercise to assess the country’s readiness for a future transition to computer-based assessments.
The examination was held successfully across centres nationwide, including the Federal Technical College, Orozo, and Government Secondary School, Garki, Abuja.
Representing the Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, the Director of Technology and Science Education at the Federal Ministry of Education, Mrs Patricia Ogungbemi, monitored the exercise at selected centres.
The minister encouraged candidates to consider technical and vocational education as a pathway to self-reliance, innovation, entrepreneurship, and employment.
According to him, technical college graduates have access to practical, industry-relevant skills and government-backed initiatives designed to promote job creation and economic growth.
One of the major highlights of the exercise was the pilot CBT session, which was conducted after the conventional paper-based examination.
The initiative aims to evaluate how prepared schools, students, and examination bodies are for a future where entrance examinations could become fully computer-based.
The successful conduct of both exercises reflects the Federal Government’s growing focus on digital transformation, assessment integrity, and improving the quality of technical education.
As technology continues to reshape the world of work, experts believe that strengthening technical and vocational education could help equip more young Nigerians with the skills needed to thrive in today’s economy.
EduTimes Africa, a product of Education Times Africa, is a magazine publication that aims to lend its support to close the yawning gap in Africa's educational development.