The National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB) has announced an official extension for the registration of the 2026 National Common Entrance Examination (NCEE). This move is intended to provide more time for candidates, parents, and schools to complete the necessary enrollment processes for admission into Federal Science and Technical Colleges across the country.
The extension, confirmed today, Sunday, 25 January 2026, comes as a relief to many who were facing technical hurdles or financial constraints during the initial registration window.
While the original deadline was set for late January, NABTEB has pushed the window further into the first quarter of the year.
Registration has been extended to Friday, 20 March 2026. However, a ‘grace period’ for late registration will likely be available after this date, though it will attract an additional fee.
More so, despite the registration extension, the tentative date for the NCEE remains scheduled for Saturday, 16 May 2026.
According to a circular from the NABTEB headquarters, the decision was influenced by several factors:
Technical Hitches: Reports of network congestion and portal downtime during the peak registration period last week.
Financial Flexibility: Acknowledging the current economic climate, the board aims to give parents more time to secure funds for exam fees.
Inclusivity: Ensuring that candidates from rural and underserved areas, who may have limited internet access, are not disenfranchised.
NABTEB NCEE 2026 Key Dates
| Activity | Original Date | New Extended Date |
| Registration Close | Jan 24, 2026 | March 20, 2026 |
| Late Registration Start | Jan 25, 2026 | March 21, 2026 |
| Portal Closing | Feb 1, 2026 | March 31, 2026 |
| NCEE Exam Day | May 16, 2026 | No Change |
