The National Business and Technical Examinations Board has released the results of the 2026 National Business Certificate and National Technical Certificate examinations, recording a significant improvement in candidates’ performance compared with the previous year.

The Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of NABTEB, Dr Mohammed Mohammed, announced the results on Wednesday in Benin City, Edo State.

According to him, 100,069 candidates registered for the 2026 examinations, while 97,867 candidates eventually sat for the examinations.

Mohammed disclosed that 79,503 candidates, representing 81.24 per cent of those graded, obtained five credits and above, including English Language and Mathematics.

He added that 89,580 candidates, representing 91.53 per cent, obtained five credits and above, whether or not English Language and Mathematics were included.

The 2026 performance represents a notable improvement from the previous year. In the 2025 examinations, 61,104 candidates, representing 68.18 per cent, obtained five credits and above, including English Language and Mathematics.

The number of candidates who registered for the examination also increased from 92,876 in 2025 to 100,069 in 2026, representing an increase of 7,193 candidates.

The NABTEB boss further revealed that 24,128 candidates, representing 24.65 per cent of those graded, were certified as craftsmen.

He attributed the improved results to the board’s continued emphasis on practical skills acquisition, occupational competence and technical and vocational education and training.

Mohammed said the examination provides young Nigerians with opportunities to obtain recognised qualifications after acquiring theoretical, practical, occupational and entrepreneurial skills that can prepare them for employment or further education.

He noted that the results were encouraging but stressed that the importance of technical education should not be measured by examination figures alone.

According to him, the real value of the qualifications lies in how effectively young people apply the knowledge and skills acquired to improve their livelihoods and contribute to Nigeria’s economic development.

The NABTEB chief also commended candidates, teachers, parents, schools and other stakeholders for their contributions to the improved performance.

The latest results come amid growing calls for greater emphasis on technical and vocational education as Nigeria seeks to equip young people with practical skills and reduce the gap between education and the demands of the labour market.

NABTEB’s 2026 results therefore point to an improvement in academic performance while also highlighting the increasing role of business and technical education in preparing Nigerian youths for the world of work.