The Federal Government says candidates seeking admission into the NCE programme, who possess a minimum of four (4) credit passes and those seeking admission into National Diploma programmes in non-technology agricultural and agriculture-related courses will no longer be required to sit for the UTME.
Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Alausa announced this at the 2026 Policy Meeting Admissions to Tertiary Institutions in Nigeria held in Abuja on Monday.
Alausa explained that there was compelling evidence, including empirical data from the JAMB, that Colleges of Education possess significant capacity to admit willing candidates, particularly from their immediate localities.
He added that this was attributable to a range of factors, including proximity, cultural alignment, affordability, and community-based demand for teacher education. Therefore, harnessing this latent capacity was critical, not only for expanding access but also for addressing the persistent challenge of out-of-school adolescents and fostering, from an early stage, a positive orientation towards the teaching profession.
“In recognition of this reality, the Federal Ministry of Education, in consultation with relevant stakeholders, has taken a deliberate policy position. Accordingly, candidates seeking admission into the NCE programme, who possess a minimum of four (4) credit passes, will no longer be required to sit for the UTME.
“However, it is imperative to emphasise that such candidates shall mandatorily register with JAMB, and their credentials shall be duly screened, verified, and certified for the issuance of admission letters through CAPS, in accordance with extant regulations”, he said.
The Minister further stated, “this exemption shall extend to candidates seeking admission into National Diploma programmes in non-technology agricultural and agriculture-related courses”.
He explained that this approach strikes a necessary balance between widening access and preserving the integrity of our admission system. “It will not only ease the pressure associated with UTME but also encourage greater participation in teacher education and agricultural programmes, both of which are critical to national development”, he said.
