81.24% secure five credits including English and Mathematics as technical education records major improvement
UNITY TIMES EDUCATION DESK
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Nigeria’s technical and vocational education system has received an encouraging boost following the release of the 2026 National Business Certificate and National Technical Certificate examination results.
The National Business and Technical Examinations Board reported that 79,503 candidates, representing 81.24 per cent of the 97,863 candidates graded, obtained five credits and above, including English Language and Mathematics.
That represents a substantial improvement from the 68.18 per cent recorded in 2025.
For a country struggling with graduate unemployment and a persistent skills gap, the result deserves more than celebration. It raises an important question: Can Nigeria turn improved examination performance into improved employability?
Beyond university degrees
For decades, Nigerian families have often regarded university education as the preferred pathway to success. But the economy increasingly requires technicians, electricians, welders, mechanics, software technicians, construction specialists, laboratory technicians and other skilled workers.
A stronger technical education system could help Nigeria address two problems simultaneously: youth unemployment and shortage of skilled labour.
The challenge after the examination
An 81.24 per cent pass rate is encouraging, but examination success is only the beginning. Technical colleges need modern equipment, qualified instructors and meaningful links with industry.
Students must also see clear pathways from technical education into employment, entrepreneurship and further education.
The real measure of success will therefore not simply be how many candidates passed NABTEB. It will be how many graduates can build sustainable livelihoods from the skills they acquired.
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