- Alausa explained that the decision was introduced to reduce pressure on JAMB
- He said the policy is aimed at widening access to education while maintaining the integrity of the admission process
- He stated that institutions are being encouraged to integrate digital skills, artificial intelligence
The Federal Government has announced that candidates applying for Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) programmes in colleges of education will no longer be required to sit for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
Eko Hot Blog reports that the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, made the disclosure on Monday during the 2026 policy meeting of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board in Abuja.
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Under the new arrangement, candidates seeking admission into NCE programmes will only need at least four credit passes in their O-level examinations to qualify for admission.
Alausa explained that the decision was introduced to reduce pressure on JAMB and encourage more students to embrace the teaching profession.
According to him, applicants will still be required to register with JAMB, while their credentials will be screened and verified through the Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS) before admission letters are issued.
The minister added that the exemption would also apply to candidates seeking admission into National Diploma programmes in non-technology agricultural and agriculture-related courses.
He said the policy is aimed at widening access to education while maintaining the integrity of the admission process, adding that it would boost participation in teacher education and agricultural studies, which he described as vital sectors for national development.
Alausa also reiterated the government’s commitment to digital transformation in the education sector, noting that the adoption of computer-based testing for national examinations had become necessary.
He stated that institutions are being encouraged to integrate digital skills, artificial intelligence, and emerging technologies into their academic curricula to better prepare students for the modern economy.
According to the minister, the goal is to ensure graduates possess not only theoretical knowledge but also practical and technology-driven skills needed in today’s workforce.
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