By Ogungbayi Adeyemi S. | adeyemi@ddnewsonline.com
Editor, DDNews |
The Federal Government has exempted candidates seeking admission into colleges of education from writing the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
Announcing the new policy on Monday at the admission policy meeting for the 2026 UTME in Abuja, the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, said candidates with a minimum of four credit passes in relevant subjects can now apply directly to colleges of education without sitting for the UTME.
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He explained that such candidates must still register with the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), while their credentials will be screened, verified, and certified for the issuance of admission letters through the Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS) in line with existing regulations.
The policy takes 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.
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“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.”
The minister added that the Federal Ministry of Education, in consultation with relevant stakeholders, has taken a deliberate policy position to ease access into teacher training institutions.
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“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,” he stated.
Alausa also announced that the exemption has been extended to candidates seeking admission into National Diploma programmes in non-technology agricultural and agriculture-related courses.
He described the move as striking a necessary balance between widening access and preserving the integrity of the admission system.
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“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.
The minister commended JAMB for its efforts in promoting inclusive participation for Persons Living with Disabilities through fee waivers and other interventions.
He urged all institutions to create inclusive learning environments that ensure dignity, support, and success for every learner, regardless of physical or social limitations.
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The new policy is expected to boost enrolment into colleges of education and address the shortage of qualified teachers in the country.
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By Ogungbayi Adeyemi S. (Beedee)
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