The federal government has begun testing a computer-based testing (CBT) system in the 2026 National Common Entrance Examination for admission into Federal and State Technical Colleges, as part of efforts to digitise Nigeria’s examination processes.
The examination, conducted nationwide, included a pilot CBT component introduced to assess the readiness of infrastructure, candidates, and examination centres ahead of a broader rollout in future examination cycles.
Officials said the initiative represents a key step in the government’s ongoing reforms to modernise assessment methods, enhance examination integrity, and gradually transition from paper-based to digital testing systems.
The pilot phase was designed to evaluate the effectiveness of the CBT platform, particularly in technical education admissions, which serve as a critical pathway for developing vocational and skilled manpower in the country.
Authorities also noted that feedback from the exercise would guide improvements in ICT deployment, candidate preparation, and centre capacity as the system evolves.
The federal government has repeatedly emphasised the importance of technical and vocational education in addressing unemployment and bridging Nigeria’s skills gap, describing digital transformation of examinations as part of broader education reforms.
Education stakeholders have welcomed the move, describing it as a progressive step toward aligning Nigeria’s assessment systems with global best practices, while urging sustained investment in digital infrastructure across schools.