The Federal Government of Nigeria has officially announced a Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) exemption for students seeking admission into Colleges of Education.
This policy change, disclosed by the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, during the 2026 Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) policy meeting in Abuja, aims to lower the barriers for students pursuing the Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE).
The new directive stipulates that students seeking admission into Colleges of Education will no longer be mandated to sit for the UTME. Instead, qualification will be based on a minimum of four O-Level credit passes in relevant subjects.
By implementing this UTME exemption for Colleges of Education, the government hopes to address the dwindling enrollment numbers in teacher training institutions and tackle the chronic shortage of qualified educators in primary and junior secondary schools.
Despite the waiver, the Minister emphasized that the process remains under strict regulatory supervision.
The policy takes effect next year.
“Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, there is compelling evidence, including empirical data from the JAMB, that Colleges of Education possess significant capacity to admit willing candidates, particularly from their immediate localities,” Alausa said.
“This is attributable to a range of factors, including proximity, cultural alignment, affordability, and community-based demand for teacher education.
“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.
“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 (4) credit passes, will no longer be required to sit for the UTME.
“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.”
The minister added that the federal government has also extended exemptions to candidates seeking admission into National Diploma programmes in non-technology agricultural and agriculture-related courses.
According to him, 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 said.
He commended JAMB for its deliberate efforts in promoting inclusive participation for Persons Living with Disabilities (PWLDs) through the waiver of application fees and other targeted interventions.
He said the initiative is not only humane but also a “powerful affirmation of our national commitment to equity and equal opportunity”.
“The increasing participation of candidates with disabilities in our examinations and admissions processes is clear evidence that when barriers are removed, potential is unleashed,” Alausa said.
He said the government will continue to expand support systems, improve accessibility, and deepen institutional responsiveness to the needs of the “important segment of our population”.
“I therefore urge all institutions represented here today to complement these efforts by creating inclusive learning environments that go beyond access to ensure dignity, support, and success for every learner, regardless of physical or social limitations,” the minister added.
Meanwhile, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board and stakeholders in the tertiary education sector have approved 150 as the minimum admission benchmark for universities for the 2025 admission exercise.
The decision was reached on Monday during the 2026 annual policy meeting on admissions into tertiary institutions held in Abuja.
The approved scores, officially known as the National Minimum Tolerable UTME Scores, mean that no tertiary institution is permitted to admit candidates who score below the agreed benchmarks.
However, institutions are free to set higher cut-off marks for applicants seeking admission.
