New policy aims to widen access to teacher training and agricultural programmes
The Federal Government of Nigeria has announced that candidates seeking admission into Colleges of Education will no longer be required to sit for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
Minister of Education Tunji Alausa disclosed the decision on Monday in Abuja during the 2026 UTME admission policy meeting, stating that the new policy will take effect from next year.
Under the arrangement, candidates with at least four credit passes in relevant subjects will be eligible to apply for admission into Colleges of Education without taking the UTME.
However, Alausa clarified that applicants must still register with the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB). Their academic records will continue to undergo screening, verification and certification before admission letters are issued through the Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS).
According to the minister, the policy was introduced to expand access to teacher education, particularly for students from local communities where Colleges of Education remain a practical and affordable option.
“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,” Alausa said.
He noted that factors such as affordability, proximity and cultural familiarity continue to drive demand for teacher education in many parts of the country.
The government also extended similar exemptions to candidates applying for National Diploma programmes in non-technology, agricultural and agriculture-related courses.
Alausa said the approach was intended to balance broader access to education with the need to maintain credibility within the admissions 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,” he said.
The move represents a significant shift in Nigeria’s tertiary admissions framework and comes amid broader efforts by the government to address declining enrolment in teacher training institutions and strengthen manpower development in key sectors.
