The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced that candidates seeking admission into Colleges of Education for the Nigeria Certificate in Education will no longer be required to sit for the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
The new policy was disclosed by the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, during the 2026 policy meeting on admissions to tertiary institutions held in Abuja.
Under the directive, candidates who possess at least four credit passes in relevant subjects can now apply directly to Colleges of Education without writing UTME. However, applicants must still register with JAMB, while their credentials will be screened and processed through the Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS) before official admission letters are issued.
According to Alausa, the policy will take effect from the next admission cycle and is intended to boost access to teacher training institutions while tackling the challenge of out-of-school youths across the country.
The exemption will also extend to candidates applying for National Diploma programmes in non-technology agricultural and agriculture-related courses, a move the government said is aimed at encouraging more enrolment in sectors considered vital to national development.
The minister stressed that admissions conducted outside JAMB’s CAPS platform remain illegal and warned institutions against bypassing the official admission system, noting that sanctions could be imposed on any school that violates the regulation.
He also reaffirmed that the minimum admission age into tertiary institutions remains 16 years.
In addition, the government commended JAMB for its inclusive policies toward persons living with disabilities, including waivers on application fees and other support initiatives.
The minister said the administration is also intensifying efforts to promote computer-based testing, digital literacy, and the integration of artificial intelligence into tertiary education curricula.
Do you think removing UTME for Colleges of Education applicants will boost interest in teacher training, or lower admission standards? Share your thoughts in the comment section.
