The Federal Government has exempted candidates applying for the National Certificate in Education (NCE) programme with at least four credits from sitting for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). 

The Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, announced the policy on Monday in Abuja at the 2026 policy meeting on admissions into tertiary institutions organised by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).

The event also featured the sixth edition of the National Tertiary Admissions Performance-Merit (NATAP-M) awards.

Mr Alausa said the decision followed consultations with stakeholders aimed at expanding access to teacher education and strengthening enrollment in Colleges of Education (CoE) nationwide.

He explained that eligible candidates would, however, be required to register with JAMB for proper screening, verification and issuance of admission letters through the Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS).

According to him, the exemption is part of deliberate reforms to harness the admission capacity of colleges of education, particularly within local communities.

“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 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 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 measure was designed to ease pressure on the UTME while encouraging participation in critical sectors essential to national development.

He reiterated that admissions conducted outside CAPS remained illegal and would not be recognised by the government.

He also warned that institutions violating established admission procedures risked sanctions, including suspension of operating licences where applicable.

Mr Alausa reaffirmed the government’s position on 16 years as the minimum admission age for tertiary institutions, noting that the decision aimed to maintain inclusivity and academic readiness.

He noted that the federal government was implementing wide-ranging reforms in the education sector focused on access, quality, governance and accountability.

He commended JAMB for deploying technology-driven solutions that enhanced fairness and credibility in the admissions process.

He added that efforts were ongoing to deepen inclusion for persons living with disabilities through application fee waivers and targeted support initiatives.

“This initiative is 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,” Mr Alausa said.

The minister further disclosed that the government was advancing digital transformation in education through expanded computer-based testing and integration of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies into curricula.

He said the federal government had also achieved progress in stabilising the university system, following the successful renegotiation of agreements to ensure uninterrupted academic calendars.

Mr Alausa reaffirmed the government’s commitment to combating examination malpractice through strengthened verification systems and enhanced collaboration among relevant agencies.

He urged stakeholders to uphold integrity and fairness in admissions decisions, noting that outcomes of the policy meeting would affect millions of Nigerian youths seeking tertiary education opportunities.

(NAN)