In a landmark move to boost enrollment in critical sectors, the Federal Government has announced that candidates seeking admission into Colleges of Education will no longer be required to sit for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
The Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, made the announcement on Monday, May 11, 2026, during the annual admission policy meeting organized by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) in Abuja.
New Admission Criteria: How It Works
The policy aims to simplify the journey for aspiring teachers and agricultural specialists by focusing on O-Level results rather than the standardized UTME score.
- The Qualification: Candidates with at least four (4) credit passes in relevant subjects are now eligible to apply directly to Colleges of Education.
- The Process: While the exam is waived, candidates are not bypassing the system entirely. They must still:
- Register with JAMB.
- Undergo rigorous screening and verification of their credentials.
- Obtain their official admission letters through the Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS).
- Effective Date: The Minister confirmed that this new directive will officially take effect from the 2027 academic session.
Widening the Net: Agricultural ND Programmes Included
Beyond teacher education, the exemption has also been extended to candidates seeking National Diploma (ND) programmes in:
- Non-technology agricultural courses.
- Agriculture-related fields.
Minister Alausa explained that this “strikes a necessary balance” between making higher education more accessible and maintaining the integrity of the Nigerian admission system.
Why the Change?
The Federal Government highlighted several strategic reasons for this policy shift:
- Teacher Shortage: By removing the “UTME pressure,” the government hopes to encourage more young Nigerians to pursue teacher education.
- Food Security: Lowering the barriers to agricultural ND programmes is seen as a vital step in training the workforce needed for national food security.
- Reducing UTME Congestion: Every year, millions of students compete for limited university slots; this move diverts focus toward specialized vocational and professional institutions.
At a Glance: The New Admission Framework
| Category | Old Requirement | New Requirement (from 2027) |
| Colleges of Education | UTME + O-Levels | 4 O-Level Credits + JAMB Registration (No UTME) |
| Agric-Related ND | UTME + O-Levels | O-Level Screening + JAMB Registration (No UTME) |
| Universities/Polytechnics | UTME + O-Levels | UTME + O-Levels (Remains unchanged |
Official Statement
“This 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,” Minister Alausa stated.
What This Means for Students
Aspiring teachers and farmers who may have struggled with the UTME in the past now have a direct, merit-based pathway into professional training. However, the Minister warned that screening will be strict, and only those with genuine credentials will be cleared through the JAMB CAPS portal.