FG exempts Colleges of Education candidates from UTME

The Federal Government has approved a new admission policy exempting candidates seeking admission into Colleges of Education from sitting for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

The Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, announced the decision during the 2026 UTME admission policy meeting held in Abuja on Monday, May 11.

Under the new policy, candidates with at least four credit passes in relevant subjects will be eligible to apply for Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) programmes without taking the UTME.

Alausa explained that despite the exemption, candidates would still be required to register with the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) for proper documentation and processing of admissions through the Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS).

He said the policy would become effective from 2027.

According to the minister, the move followed evidence showing that Colleges of Education across the country had enough capacity to admit more students, especially from surrounding communities.

He noted that factors such as affordability, accessibility and community demand had continued to make the institutions attractive to prospective students.

“Harnessing this latent capacity is critical, not only for expanding access but also for addressing the persistent challenge of out-of-school adolescents and fostering, from an early stage, a positive orientation towards the teaching profession,” Alausa said.

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Alausa added that the government took the decision after consultations with key stakeholders in the education sector.

The minister further disclosed that the exemption had also been extended to candidates applying for National Diploma (ND) programmes in non-technology agricultural and agriculture-related courses.

According to him, the initiative is expected to ease the pressure associated with the UTME while encouraging enrolment in teacher education and agriculture, which are considered critical sectors for national development.

Alausa also commended JAMB for initiatives aimed at supporting Persons Living with Disabilities, including the waiver of application fees and other measures promoting equal access to education.

He assured that the federal government would continue to strengthen support systems and improve inclusiveness across tertiary institutions in the country.

The minister urged institutions to provide learning environments that promote dignity, accessibility, and success for all students regardless of their physical or social conditions.