The federal government has exempted candidates seeking admission into colleges of education from writing the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
The policy is with particular reference to Education programmes and Agriculture-related non-engineering courses in College of Education and Polytechnics across the country.
The exemption was announced today by the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, who however added that the policy would begin next year.
Speaking in Abuja at the 2026 UTME admission policy meeting, he stated that the new guideline will take effect from next year.
He said the federal government has also extended exemptions to candidates seeking admission into National Diploma programmes in non-technology, agricultural and agriculture-related courses.
The above, he explained is aimed at striking a necessary balance between widening access and preserving the integrity of the nation’s admission system.
According to the minister, candidates with at least four credit passes in relevant subjects will be eligible to apply for admission into colleges of education without sitting for the UTME.
All prospective candidates must still register with the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, (JAMB) the minister clarified.
Such candidates would have their particulars screened before hand, while their admisiion letters would be issued through the the Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS), in line with existing regulations.
Other details of the new policy, which have also been shared on X are as follows:
“Candidates seeking admissions into Education Programmes and Agriculture non-Engineering Courses are now exempted from 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.
“This approach strikes a necessary balance between widening access and preserving the integrity of our admission system.
“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,” he added
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“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.”
Further on the new policy, the minister stated: “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.
