FG begins JAMB registration for NCE, non-tech agricultural programmes without UTME

The Federal Government (FG) has officially commenced registration for candidates seeking admission into Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) programmes in Colleges of Education and non-technological agricultural programmes in polytechnics without requiring them to sit for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

The initiative, being implemented by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), forms part of ongoing reforms aimed at expanding access to tertiary education, increasing enrolment in teacher education and agriculture-related courses, and addressing the shortage of skilled manpower in the education and agricultural sectors.

In a statement issued by JAMB’s Acting Director of Public Affairs and Protocol, Dr Fabian Benjamin, the Board said eligible candidates can now register at any Institutional Professional Registration Centre (IPRC) located in Colleges of Education or any JAMB Professional Registration Centre (PRC) across Nigeria.

According to the Board, the registration exercise follows the Federal Government’s policy exempting candidates seeking admission into NCE and non-technological agricultural programmes from writing the annual UTME. JAMB explained that although candidates are no longer required to sit the entrance examination, admissions will continue to be regulated through a structured process to ensure that only qualified applicants are admitted.

To qualify for registration, candidates must possess the required O’Level credits for their chosen programme. Applicants are expected to visit any designated IPRC or JAMB PRC with their credentials to complete the registration process. The Board noted that admissions under the new arrangement will still be processed through the Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS), JAMB’s online admission platform designed to promote transparency, accountability and merit in tertiary institution admissions.

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JAMB also announced that candidates who participated in the 2026 UTME but have decided to pursue NCE or non-technological agricultural programmes can convert their applications at any approved registration centre without paying any additional fee. The Board described the provision as an opportunity for candidates to pursue alternative academic pathways without being financially disadvantaged.

As part of the implementation, JAMB has introduced new admission procedures for the 2026/2027 academic session. Under the revised framework, admission into Colleges of Education will be through the NCE route, while candidates applying under the policy must undergo verification of their O’Level results through the appropriate examination bodies before admission is processed. The Board also stated that candidates will only be processed under one admission category at a time, a measure intended to simplify admissions and prevent multiple applications across different admission routes.

The Federal Government introduced the policy to improve access to teacher education and agriculture-related programmes, two sectors regarded as vital to Nigeria’s long-term economic development, food security and human capital development. Education authorities believe removing the UTME requirement for these programmes will encourage more qualified candidates to enrol in Colleges of Education and agricultural institutions while maintaining academic standards through JAMB’s admission screening process.

JAMB advised interested candidates to visit the nearest approved IPRC or JAMB PRC to complete their registration as early as possible and avoid unnecessary delays. The Board reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring a transparent, merit-based admission process while supporting the Federal Government’s efforts to strengthen Nigeria’s education system and agricultural workforce.

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FG begins JAMB registration for NCE, non-tech agricultural programmes without UTME

High graduation fees spark outrage among parents, guardians

The growing cost of graduation fees in Nigerian schools has sparked widespread criticism from parents, guardians and education stakeholders, with many describing the trend as an unfair financial burden at a time when families are grappling with rising inflation and the high cost of living.

Across the country, parents have raised concerns over what they describe as excessive charges imposed by both private and public schools for end-of-session graduation and valedictory ceremonies. The fees, which vary widely depending on the school, often cover graduation gowns, certificates, photographs, entertainment, refreshments, souvenirs, decorations and venue logistics.

Many parents argue that the combined cost of these charges now rivals or even exceeds a full term’s tuition in some schools, making it increasingly difficult for low- and middle-income families to participate in ceremonies marking important educational milestones.

Some parents also allege that graduation payments are presented as compulsory, leaving families with little choice but to pay to prevent their children from being excluded from the celebrations alongside their classmates.

The concerns come as Nigeria continues to experience rising inflation, increasing transportation costs and higher prices for goods and services, all of which have placed significant pressure on household incomes. For many families, paying school fees, purchasing textbooks and uniforms, and meeting other educational expenses have already stretched their finances.

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Education advocates have warned that the increasing commercialisation of school graduation ceremonies risks shifting attention away from academic achievement to lavish celebrations. They argue that graduation events should remain modest, inclusive and centred on recognising pupils’ educational progress rather than becoming expensive social occasions.

Stakeholders also caution that excessive graduation fees could widen inequality among pupils, as children whose parents cannot afford the charges may miss out on activities that celebrate years of academic effort and personal development.

Some school administrators have defended the charges, explaining that the cost of organising graduation ceremonies has increased due to inflation and the rising prices of event venues, customised graduation gowns, decorations, catering services, security, electricity and professional photography.

According to school proprietors, many graduation ceremonies are designed to create memorable experiences for pupils and their families while showcasing students’ achievements. They argue that the fees reflect the actual cost of organising quality events rather than an attempt to exploit parents.

However, consumer rights groups have called for greater transparency in the way schools determine graduation charges. They urged school management to provide detailed breakdowns of all fees and avoid imposing hidden or unnecessary levies on parents.

Education experts have also urged schools to adopt more affordable approaches by organising simple graduation ceremonies within school premises instead of expensive off-campus events that significantly increase costs.

They further called on state ministries of education and relevant regulatory agencies to develop guidelines that would prevent excessive graduation charges while allowing schools to celebrate students’ achievements in a dignified and affordable manner.

Parents’ associations have similarly appealed to school owners to consider the prevailing economic realities when fixing graduation fees, stressing that no child should be denied the opportunity to celebrate an academic milestone because of financial constraints.

As the debate continues, stakeholders agree that graduation ceremonies remain an important tradition in Nigeria’s education system. However, many insist that celebrations should reflect moderation, inclusiveness and affordability so that every graduating pupil can participate without placing unnecessary financial pressure on families.

High graduation fees spark outrage among parents, guardians

UNILAG fixes July 27 for 2026 Post-UTME, releases guidelines

The University of Lagos (UNILAG) has announced that its 2026/2027 Post-Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (Post-UTME) screening exercise will begin on Monday, July 27, 2026, with the aptitude test scheduled to run until Friday, July 31, 2026.

The university also disclosed that a mandatory mock examination will be held on Saturday, July 25, 2026, to enable candidates to test their devices and familiarize themselves with the online examination platform before the main screening.

The announcement was made in a statement signed by the Registrar and Secretary to Council, Mrs. V. Abosede Wickliffe, who urged all candidates to carefully read and comply with the institution’s 23 examination guidelines, warning that violations could lead to disqualification, cancellation of results or other disciplinary measures.

The screening exercise comes after the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) disclosed that 78,240 candidates selected UNILAG as their first-choice institution during the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), making the university one of the most sought-after higher institutions in Nigeria.

Although JAMB did not reveal how many candidates scored the required 200 and above, UNILAG had earlier stated that only applicants who met the minimum UTME score, selected the university as their first choice and satisfied other admission requirements would participate in the screening exercise. Eligible candidates must also possess the required O’Level credits and attain the minimum admission age stipulated by the university.

Unlike the traditional computer-based screening conducted physically on campus, UNILAG said the 2026 Post-UTME will be conducted entirely online under a remote proctoring system. The university explained that the technology allows candidates to take the examination from approved locations while ensuring the integrity of the process through continuous audio and video monitoring. According to the institution, every stage of the examination will be recorded to verify candidates’ identities and detect any form of examination malpractice.

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UNILAG announced that participation in the mock examination is mandatory for all candidates. The institution explained that the exercise is designed to confirm that candidates’ laptops, webcams, microphones, browsers, internet connections and examination environments meet the technical requirements for the actual screening. It added that participation in the mock examination does not automatically guarantee successful access to the main examination if candidates subsequently change their devices, internet connections, software configurations or examination locations. No additional fee will be charged for the mock examination.

Candidates are required to pay ₦5,000 for the Post-UTME screening, comprising ₦2,000 as the application fee and ₦3,000 as administrative charges. The university advised candidates to complete every stage of the registration process using only its official admission portal and to disregard individuals or websites claiming to facilitate admission for a fee.

One of the major changes introduced for the screening exercise is the compulsory use of laptop computers equipped with built-in webcams and microphones. UNILAG said candidates will not be allowed to use mobile phones, tablets, external webcams, HDMI-connected monitors, smart glasses, smart watches, earbuds, headphones or other wearable electronic devices during the examination. The university directed candidates to ensure that their webcams remain unobstructed throughout the examination, noting that any interruption to video monitoring could lead to cancellation of the examination.

The institution issued a stern warning against all forms of examination malpractice, including impersonation, multiple logins, unauthorized assistance and communication with other persons during the examination. Candidates must remain alone in their examination environment throughout the screening, while their faces and ears must remain fully visible to the remote invigilators. UNILAG stressed that the presence of another person within the examination environment may be treated as examination misconduct and could result in immediate disqualification. The university also prohibited candidates from speaking, reading questions aloud or engaging in any behaviour capable of compromising the integrity of the examination.

Candidates have been advised to make adequate arrangements for uninterrupted electricity supply and reliable internet connectivity throughout the examination. UNILAG said it would not be liable for disruptions caused by power outages, internet failures or other technical problems beyond its control. The institution encouraged candidates experiencing technical issues to immediately report them through the “Need Help?” feature available on the examination platform before submitting any formal complaint.

The university also warned candidates against fraudsters and unauthorized admission agents, emphasizing that all information relating to the 2026/2027 Post-UTME exercise will be published only through its official website and verified communication channels. It reiterated that it reserves the right to postpone, suspend or reschedule any part of the screening exercise if circumstances require and maintained that its decisions regarding the conduct and outcome of the examination shall be final. Candidates were advised to adhere strictly to every instruction issued before, during and after the examination, stressing that ignorance of the rules would not be accepted as an excuse for non-compliance.

UNILAG fixes July 27 for 2026 Post-UTME, releases guidelines