FG scraps UTME requirement for Colleges of Education applicants

By Adebola Isimijola, Lagos

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).

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

Under the new arrangement, candidates with a minimum of four credit passes in relevant subjects will be eligible for admission into Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) programmes without writing the UTME.

The minister, however, clarified that prospective candidates would still be required to register with the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board through the Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS) for proper documentation and admission processing.

He stated that the policy would take effect from 2027.

According to Alausa, the decision followed findings that Colleges of Education across the country still have significant unused admission capacity, particularly among students from host communities.

He said affordability, accessibility and the growing demand within local communities have continued to make the institutions attractive to prospective applicants.

“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,” the minister said.

Alausa disclosed that the exemption was also extended to candidates seeking admission into National Diploma (ND) programmes in non-technology agricultural and agriculture-related courses.

He explained that the initiative is aimed at reducing the pressure associated with the UTME while boosting enrolment in teacher education and agriculture, which the government considers vital to national development.

The minister added that the decision was reached after consultations with major stakeholders in the education sector.

He also commended the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board for measures introduced to support Persons Living with Disabilities, including the waiver of application fees and other initiatives designed to promote equal access to tertiary education.

Alausa assured that the Federal Government would continue to strengthen inclusive policies and improve support systems across higher institutions nationwide.

He further urged tertiary institutions to provide learning environments that guarantee dignity, accessibility and academic success for all students, regardless of their physical or social conditions.