UTME No Longer Compulsory for Colleges of Education Admissions

UTME No Longer Compulsory for Colleges of Education Admissions

The Federal Government has officially exempted candidates seeking admission into Colleges of Education across Nigeria from sitting for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), in a major policy shift aimed at expanding access to tertiary education and revitalising teacher training institutions nationwide.

The announcement was made on Monday in Abuja by the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, during the 2026 admission policy meeting organised by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).

According to the minister, the new policy will take effect from the next admission cycle and will apply to candidates seeking admission into the Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) programme.

Under the revised arrangement, candidates with a minimum of four credit passes in relevant subjects will be eligible to apply for admission into Colleges of Education without writing the UTME.

However, the government clarified that such candidates must still register with JAMB, after which their credentials will be screened, verified and processed through the Central Admission Processing System (CAPS) before admission letters are issued.

Alausa explained that the decision followed growing concerns over declining enrollment in Colleges of Education despite the availability of admission spaces across the country.

“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,” the minister said.

According to him, factors such as affordability, proximity, cultural familiarity and strong local demand for teacher education have positioned Colleges of Education as strategic institutions for addressing Nigeria’s educational challenges.

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The minister said the Federal Ministry of Education believes the policy would help tackle the persistent problem of out-of-school adolescents while encouraging more young Nigerians to embrace teaching as a profession.

“Harnessing this latent capacity is critical, not only for expanding access but also for addressing the persistent challenge of out-of-school adolescents and fostering, from an early stage, a positive orientation towards the teaching profession,” he stated.

In another major development, the Federal Government also announced UTME exemptions for candidates seeking admission into National Diploma (ND) programmes in non-technology agricultural and agriculture-related courses.

Education officials say the move is part of broader reforms designed to boost enrollment in agriculture and technical sectors considered critical to Nigeria’s economic growth and food security agenda.

The minister described the policy as a balanced approach that widens educational access without undermining the integrity of Nigeria’s admission process.

“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,” Alausa added.

Stakeholders in the education sector have described the policy as one of the most significant admission reforms introduced in recent years.

Analysts believe the decision could particularly benefit students in rural and underserved communities who often struggle with the financial burden and logistical challenges associated with repeated UTME registration and examinations.

The policy is also expected to increase enrollment figures in Colleges of Education, many of which have experienced declining student intake in recent years despite expanded infrastructure and academic capacity.

Meanwhile, the minister commended JAMB for introducing inclusive measures aimed at supporting Persons Living With Disabilities (PWLDs) during the admission process.

He praised the examination body for waiving application fees and implementing accessibility interventions designed to improve participation among candidates with disabilities.

“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 said.

Alausa further urged tertiary institutions across the country to build more inclusive learning environments that guarantee dignity, accessibility and academic success for all categories of students regardless of physical or social limitations.

Education experts say the latest reforms align with ongoing efforts by the Federal Government to reposition teacher education through initiatives such as the dual mandate system and the recently introduced continuous five-year NCE-to-degree pathway for Colleges of Education.

Observers also note that the reforms may help reduce congestion in the UTME system while expanding access to tertiary education opportunities for thousands of Nigerians annually.

UTME No Longer Compulsory for Colleges of Education Admissions