The Federal Government has abolished the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) requirement for candidates seeking admission into Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) programmes, in a move aimed at boosting enrolment into teacher education across the country.
Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, announced the policy on Monday during the 2026 Policy Meeting on Admissions to Tertiary Institutions in Nigeria, saying candidates with a minimum of four credit passes would no longer be required to sit for the UTME before gaining admission into NCE programmes.
According to the minister, the decision followed evidence showing that Colleges of Education across the country possess the capacity to absorb more candidates, especially from their local communities.
He said: “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 credit passes, will no longer be required to sit for the UTME.”
He, however, clarified that such candidates must still register with the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board for screening and processing through the Central Admissions Processing System before admission letters would be issued.
“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 added.
The minister explained that the policy was intended to widen access to teacher education, reduce barriers to admission, and address the persistent challenge of out-of-school adolescents.
He noted that proximity, affordability, and community demand had made Colleges of Education attractive to many candidates, stressing that government intended to harness the institutions’ untapped admission capacity.
Alausa further disclosed that the exemption would also apply to candidates seeking admission into National Diploma programmes in non-technology agricultural and agriculture-
related courses.
“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.”
The minister also reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to transparency and merit in admissions, warning tertiary institutions against conducting admissions outside JAMB’s Central Admissions Processing System.
He said any institution found violating admission regulations would face sanctions, including possible suspension of operating licences.