On Thursday, the National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB) announced the results for the 2025 in-school National Business Certificate (NBC) and National Technical Certificate (NTC) examinations.
Dr. Mohammed Aminu Mohammed, the Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of NABTEB, highlighted a significant improvement in candidate performance this year, alongside a remarkable 37% rise in enrollment compared to 2024.
Out of more than 92,000 candidates registered for the June/July 2025 exams, approximately 80,000 achieved credit passes in both English and Mathematics, underscoring the enhanced academic standards.
Furthermore, 61,104 candidates-equivalent to 68.18% of those who sat for the NBC and NTC exams-secured at least five credits, including English Language and Mathematics, marking a notable advancement from previous years.
Comparing these results to the June/July 2024 session, where 44,000 candidates (65.34%) attained five credits or more including English and Mathematics, and 62,235 candidates (92.42%) achieved five credits or more with or without these core subjects, the 2025 outcomes demonstrate clear progress.
Dr. Mohammed also reported an increase in both the number of candidates and examination centers utilized this year, reflecting the board’s expanding reach and capacity.
Of the total candidates graded, 57,651 (62.07%) were male, while 35,224 (37.93%) were female, indicating a consistent gender distribution.
Importantly, there was a marked reduction in examination malpractice cases in 2025 compared to the previous year, signaling improved exam integrity.
He detailed that the exams were conducted nationwide from June 16 to July 17, 2025, with 92,875 candidates registered across 1,892 centers-an increase of 37.08% in enrollment and 10.77% in centers from 2024’s 67,751 candidates and 1,708 centers.
Enrollment spanned a diverse range of disciplines, including 16 Engineering Trades, 7 Construction Trades, 9 Miscellaneous Trades, 4 Business Trades, and 16 General Education subjects.
Out of those registered, 89,621 candidates (96.50%) were graded. In English Language, 85,476 candidates were assessed, with a pass rate of 93.10% (79,575 candidates) and a failure rate of 6.90% (5,901 candidates). This contrasts with 2024’s pass rate of 95.87% and failure rate of 4.13%.
Mathematics results showed 85,805 candidates graded, with a pass rate of 94.60% (81,172 candidates) and a failure rate of 5.40% (4,633 candidates), improving on 2024’s 91.39% pass and 8.61% fail rates.
These figures suggest a higher success rate in Mathematics this year, while English Language pass rates slightly declined compared to last year.
Additionally, 74,633 candidates (83.28%) earned five credits or more with or without English and Mathematics, further emphasizing the overall academic progress.
Regarding examination misconduct, only 435 candidates (0.47%) were implicated in 516 malpractice incidents, a decrease from 349 candidates (0.52%) involved in 524 cases in 2024, reflecting enhanced examination security measures.
Dr. Mohammed emphasized the critical role of Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) in today’s innovation-driven economy, stressing the importance of equipping youths with practical skills to meet industry demands.
He also announced that registration for the 2025 November/December NBC/NTC and Advanced NBC/NTC (ANBC/ANTC) examinations is now open. Interested candidates can register via the NABTEB portal at novdec.nabteb.gov.ng or visit any State or Zonal Office for registration guidelines.
Expressing gratitude, Dr. Mohammed acknowledged the unwavering support from the Ministers of Education, particularly for the recent launch of new TVET initiatives on May 30, 2025, which align with the President’s Renewed Hope Agenda aimed at empowering Nigerian youth with 21st-century skills to bridge the skills gap in various industries.
He also commended the Federal Ministry of Education, NABTEB management, and staff for their dedication in ensuring the timely release of these results.
