FG begins UTME-free admission into NCE, agriculture programmes

The Federal Government has commenced nationwide admission into Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) programmes in Colleges of Education and non-technological agricultural programmes in polytechnics without requiring candidates to sit the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

The initiative implements the government’s policy to remove the UTME requirement for the two categories of programmes as part of efforts to expand access to teacher education and agriculture while maintaining admission standards.

In a statement issued on Thursday, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) directed eligible candidates to register at any Institutional Professional Registration Centre (IPRC) in Colleges of Education or any JAMB Professional Registration Centre (PRC) nationwide.

JAMB’s Acting Director of Public Affairs and Protocol, Dr Fabian Benjamin, said only candidates with the required O’Level qualifications would be eligible for admission under the new arrangement.

“As previously announced, the Federal Government has waived the requirement for candidates seeking admission into NCE and Non-Technological Agricultural Programmes to sit for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME),” he said.

Benjamin explained that JAMB had developed an admission process to ensure that only qualified candidates are admitted despite the removal of the UTME requirement.

Under the new policy, candidates only need to present their O’Level results at designated registration centres to complete the admission process.

He also disclosed that candidates who sat for the 2026 UTME but later chose to pursue NCE or non-technological agricultural programmes could convert their applications free of charge.

“In addition, candidates who sat for the 2026 UTME but have decided to pursue NCE or any Non-Technological Agricultural Programmes can visit any IPRC or JAMB PRC to convert their application at no additional cost,” he said.

JAMB urged eligible candidates to take advantage of the opportunity by registering promptly at approved centres across the country.

The board said the policy is aimed at widening access to tertiary education, particularly in teacher education and agriculture, while preserving the integrity and quality of admissions.

The Federal Government expects the initiative to boost enrolment in Colleges of Education and agricultural programmes, sectors considered vital to addressing the shortage of qualified teachers and strengthening Nigeria’s agricultural workforce.