The Federal Government has announced that candidates seeking admission into Nigeria Certificate in Education programmes will no longer be required to sit for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination. Education Minister Tunji Alausa made the announcement on Monday during the 2026 policy meeting of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board in Abuja.
Under the new policy, candidates with at least four O-level credit passes will qualify for admission into colleges of education without writing the UTME. However, prospective students will still be required to register with JAMB for credential screening and admission processing through the Central Admissions Processing System.
The minister said the decision is aimed at reducing pressure on JAMB and encouraging more students to pursue careers in teaching and agriculture. He added that the exemption would also apply to candidates seeking admission into national diploma programmes in non-technology agricultural and agriculture-related courses.
Also Read: Burkina Faso Scraps Visa Fees for African Travellers
Alausa said the new policy will take effect from next year. He also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to expanding computer-based testing and integrating digital skills, artificial intelligence and emerging technologies into Nigeria’s education system.
Leave feedback about this
You must be logged in to post a comment.