By CHARLES CHIJIOKE
The Federal Government has announced a major overhaul of Nigeria’s tertiary admission process, removing the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) requirement for candidates seeking admission into Colleges of Education across the country.
The new policy, unveiled on Monday by the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, is expected to take effect from next year and is aimed at boosting enrollment into teacher education programmes amid declining admission figures in many Colleges of Education nationwide.
Speaking during the 2026 admission policy meeting in Abuja, Alausa disclosed that candidates applying for the Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) programme would no longer be required to sit for the UTME before gaining admission.
According to him, applicants with a minimum of four credit passes in relevant subjects would now qualify for admission, although they must still register with the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board for screening, verification, and processing of admission letters through the Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS).
“Accordingly, candidates seeking admission into the NCE programme, who possess a minimum of four credit passes, will no longer be required to sit for the UTME,” the minister stated.
“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.”
Alausa explained that the decision followed mounting evidence showing that several Colleges of Education across Nigeria had significant unused admission capacity, particularly among candidates from surrounding communities who often avoid the UTME process.
“Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, there is compelling evidence, including empirical data from JAMB, that Colleges of Education possess significant capacity to admit willing candidates, particularly from their immediate localities,” he said.
“This is attributable to a range of factors, including proximity, cultural alignment, affordability, and community-based demand for teacher education.”
The minister said the policy is expected to widen access to tertiary education, reduce barriers for prospective students, and encourage more young Nigerians to embrace the teaching profession at a time concerns over shortages of qualified teachers continue to grow.
In another major development, the Federal Government also approved similar UTME exemptions for candidates seeking admission into National Diploma programmes in non-technology agricultural and agriculture-related courses.
According to Alausa, the reforms are designed to balance broader access to higher education with the need to preserve transparency and credibility within Nigeria’s 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 added.
Education stakeholders say the policy could significantly alter admission patterns across the country’s tertiary education sector, especially for students who struggle with the highly competitive UTME system and may now see Colleges of Education as a more accessible pathway into higher learning.
The development also comes amid sustained debates over the pressure, competitiveness, and relevance of the UTME framework, with critics repeatedly calling for reforms to improve access to education.
The minister further commended JAMB for expanding opportunities for Persons Living With Disabilities (PWLDs), particularly through fee waivers and inclusive support initiatives.
“The increasing participation of candidates with disabilities in our examinations and admissions processes is clear evidence that when barriers are removed, potential is unleashed,” he stated.
He also urged tertiary institutions to create more inclusive learning environments capable of supporting students regardless of physical or social limitations.
The announcement has already triggered widespread reactions among students, parents, and education stakeholders, many of whom describe the policy as one of the most significant admission reforms introduced in recent years.
