The federal government has announced that candidates seeking admission into Colleges of Education for the Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) programme will no longer be required to sit for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
The announcement was made on Monday by the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, during the 2026 UTME admission policy meeting in Abuja.
According to the minister, candidates with at least four credit passes in relevant subjects can now apply directly for admission into Colleges of Education without taking the UTME. However, applicants must still register with the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) for credential screening and admission processing through the Central Admission Processing System (CAPS).
Alausa said the new policy, which will take effect next year, is aimed at increasing access to teacher education and reducing the number of out-of-school youths. He noted that many Colleges of Education have unused admission capacity, especially within their local communities.
The minister also revealed that similar exemptions have been extended to candidates applying for National Diploma programmes in non-technology agricultural and agriculture-related courses.
He added that the move would ease the pressure associated with UTME while encouraging more students to pursue careers in education and agriculture, sectors considered vital to national development.
Alausa further praised JAMB for supporting Persons Living with Disabilities through fee waivers and accessibility initiatives, promising that the government would continue improving inclusive education across the country.
