The Federal Government has announced that candidates seeking admission into Colleges of Education for the Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) programme will no longer be required to sit for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

The Minister of Education, Maruf Tunji Alausa, disclosed this on Monday during the 2026 Policy Meeting on Admissions to Tertiary Institutions organised by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board in Abuja.

Under the new policy, candidates with at least four credit passes in relevant subjects can apply directly to Colleges of Education without writing UTME. However, applicants must still register with JAMB, while their credentials will undergo screening and verification through the Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS) before admission letters are issued.

According to the minister, the policy will take effect from the next admission cycle and is aimed at widening access to teacher education as well as tackling the growing number of out-of-school adolescents in the country.

He added that the exemption would also cover candidates seeking admission into National Diploma programmes in non-technology agricultural and agriculture-related courses. Dr. Alausa explained that the move is intended to reduce pressure on UTME and encourage enrolment in teacher education and agriculture, sectors he described as vital to national development.

The minister further warned that admissions conducted outside CAPS remain illegal and would not be recognised by the Federal Government. He cautioned institutions against bypassing JAMB’s admission platform, noting that violators risk sanctions, including regulatory actions against their leadership.

Dr. Alausa also reaffirmed that the minimum age for admission into tertiary institutions remains 16 years.

He commended JAMB for promoting inclusiveness for Persons Living with Disabilities through the waiver of application fees and other support initiatives.

The minister further highlighted the Federal Government’s commitment to computer-based testing, digital literacy, and the integration of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies into tertiary institution curricula to equip graduates for the modern economy.