The Federal Government has announced that candidates seeking admission into Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) programmes will no longer be required to sit for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
Gatekeepers News reports that the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, disclosed the new policy on Monday during the 2026 policy meeting of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board in Abuja.
Under the revised admission guidelines, candidates with a minimum of four O’Level credit passes will now qualify for admission into NCE programmes without taking the UTME examination.
According to the minister, the decision was introduced to reduce the administrative workload on JAMB while also encouraging more students to embrace the teaching profession.
“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,” Alausa said.
He, however, clarified that prospective candidates must still register with JAMB for proper documentation and verification.
“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,” he added.
The minister further revealed that the exemption would also apply to candidates seeking admission into National Diploma programmes in non-technology agricultural and agriculture-related courses.
“In the same vein, this exemption shall extend to candidates seeking admission into national diploma programmes in non-technology agricultural and agriculture-related courses,” he stated.
Alausa explained that the policy is aimed at expanding access to education while maintaining the credibility of Nigeria’s admission process.
“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 said.
The new policy is expected to take effect from next year.
Speaking further at the meeting, the minister said the Federal Government is also intensifying efforts to fully adopt computer-based testing across national examinations as part of broader education reforms.
“The global shift towards digitalisation is not a distant prospect; it is an immediate necessity,” Alausa said.
“Accordingly, we are advancing the full adoption of computer-based testing across national examinations, while also encouraging institutions to integrate digital competencies, artificial intelligence, and emerging technologies into their curricula.
“The objective is clear: our graduates must not only possess theoretical knowledge but also the practical skills required to thrive in a modern economy.”
