Evaluation of NABTEB Examination Performance of Technical College Students in Plateau State

This study evaluated the National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB) examination performance of technical college students in Plateau State, North Central Nigeria. NABTEB certification serves as the primary credentialing outcome for technical college graduates, and performance data provide critical insight into the effectiveness of vocational education delivery. Using an ex-post facto and survey design, the study analyzed five years of NABTEB results from four technical colleges and supplemented this with data from 100 instructors and 40 administrators via structured questionnaires. Findings showed fluctuating pass rates across the study period, with an average overall pass rate of 57.3 percent, well below the 75 percent national benchmark. Trade areas including auto mechanics and electrical installation consistently underperformed, while business studies and home economics showed stronger results. Inadequate practical preparation, poor coverage of theory components, and limited access to past examination materials were identified as key performance determinants. The study recommends that the Plateau State Technical Education Board establish a centralized examination preparation resource centre, mandate mock NABTEB examinations in all colleges, and develop systematic remediation programmes for underperforming subject areas. These findings are directly relevant to institutional improvement planning and state-level vocational education accountability systems. Keywords: NABTEB, technical colleges, Plateau State, examination performance, vocational education.