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

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