By Emma Ombugadu, Abuja
The federal government has announced that candidates seeking admission into colleges of education will no longer be required to sit for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
The announcement was made on Monday in Abuja by the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, during the admission policy meeting for the 2026 UTME.
Under the new policy, candidates with at least four credit passes in relevant subjects can apply directly for admission into colleges of education.
However, they must still register with the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), after which their credentials will be screened and verified through the Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS).
The policy is expected to take effect from next year.
“Distinguished Ladies and Gentlemen, there is compelling evidence, including empirical data from the JAMB, that Colleges of Education possess significant capacity to admit willing candidates, particularly from their immediate localities,” Alausa said.
“This is attributable to a range of factors, including proximity, cultural alignment, affordability, and community-based demand for teacher education.
“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.
“In recognition of this reality, the Federal Ministry of Education, in consultation with relevant stakeholders, has taken a deliberate policy position.
“Accordingly, candidates seeking admission into the NCE programme, who possess a minimum of four (4) credit passes, will no longer be required to sit for the UTME.
“However, it is imperative to emphasise that 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.”
The minister also disclosed that similar exemptions have been extended to candidates applying for National Diploma programmes in non-technology agricultural and agriculture-related courses.
According to Alausa, the move is designed to widen access to education while maintaining the integrity of the admission process.
“It will not only ease the pressure associated with UTME but also encourage greater participation in teacher education and agricultural programmes, both of which are critical to national development,” the minister said.
Alausa further praised JAMB for initiatives aimed at supporting Persons Living with Disabilities (PWLDs), including the waiver of application fees and other interventions targeted at improving inclusion.
He described the initiative as not only humane but also a “powerful affirmation of our national commitment to equity and equal opportunity.”
“The increasing participation of candidates with disabilities in our examinations and admissions processes is clear evidence that when barriers are removed, potential is unleashed,” Alausa said.
He added that the government would continue to strengthen support systems and improve accessibility across institutions.
“I therefore urge all institutions represented here today to complement these efforts by creating inclusive learning environments that go beyond access to ensure dignity, support, and success for every learner, regardless of physical or social limitations,” the minister added.
This is the right thing for education