The Federal Government has approved a new admission policy that will allow Nigerians with a minimum of four credit passes to gain admission into NCE and some agriculture-related programmes without writing the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
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The announcement was made on Monday by the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, during the 2026 Policy Meeting on Admissions into Tertiary Institutions organised by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) in Abuja.
Under the new policy, candidates seeking admission into the National Certificate in Education (NCE) programme will no longer be required to sit for UTME before securing admission into Colleges of Education (CoE). The exemption also applies to candidates applying for National Diploma programmes in non-technology agricultural and agriculture-related courses.
Despite the exemption, the Federal Government said affected candidates must still register with JAMB for screening, verification of credentials and processing of admission letters through the Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS).
According to Alausa, the decision followed consultations with stakeholders in the education sector and forms part of wider reforms aimed at improving access to tertiary education, especially in teacher training and agriculture-related fields.
He explained that many Colleges of Education across Nigeria currently have unused admission capacity, particularly in local communities where enrollment levels remain low.
“In recognition of this reality, the Federal Ministry of Education, in consultation with relevant stakeholders, has taken a deliberate policy position,” the minister said.
“Accordingly, candidates seeking admission into the NCE programme, who possess a minimum of four credit passes, will no longer be required to sit for the UTME.”
He added that candidates would still be captured within the JAMB admission system to ensure proper regulation and transparency.
“Such candidates shall mandatorily register with JAMB, and their credentials shall be duly screened, verified, and certified for the issuance of admission letters through CAPS, in accordance with extant regulations,” he stated.
The minister said the move is expected to reduce the pressure associated with UTME while encouraging more young Nigerians to pursue careers in education and agriculture, two sectors considered important to national development.
Alausa also warned institutions against conducting admissions outside CAPS, stressing that any admission not processed through the official platform would be regarded as illegal by the government.
He further cautioned that institutions violating admission guidelines could face sanctions, including suspension of operating licences where necessary.
During the meeting, the minister reaffirmed the Federal Government’s position that 16 years remains the minimum age for admission into tertiary institutions in Nigeria.
He noted that the government is currently implementing reforms focused on improving access, accountability and quality across the education sector.
Alausa also commended JAMB for introducing technology-driven processes that have improved fairness and credibility in admissions.
He added that efforts are ongoing to support Persons Living With Disabilities through application fee waivers and other inclusion initiatives designed to remove barriers to higher education.
The minister further disclosed that the Federal Government is expanding computer-based testing and integrating artificial intelligence and emerging technologies into Nigeria’s education system as part of ongoing digital transformation efforts. (Nigeria Startup News)
