The Federal Government has announced the removal of the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) requirement for candidates seeking admission into Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) programmes in colleges of education across the country.

Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, disclosed the development on Monday during the 2026 policy meeting of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) held in Abuja.

Under the new policy, candidates seeking admission into NCE programmes will only be required to possess a minimum of four credit passes in their O’Level examinations.

Alausa explained that the decision was aimed at reducing the administrative burden on JAMB while encouraging greater interest in the teaching profession.

“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,” the minister stated.

He, however, clarified that affected candidates must still register with JAMB, adding that their credentials would be screened, verified, and processed through the Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS) before admission letters are issued.

The minister further announced that the exemption would also apply to candidates seeking admission into National Diploma (ND) programmes in non-technology agricultural and agriculture-related courses.

According to him, the policy is intended to widen access to teacher education and agricultural programmes without compromising the integrity of the 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.

Alausa also reiterated the Federal Government’s commitment to digital transformation in the education sector through the adoption of computer-based testing for national examinations.

“The global shift towards digitalisation is not a distant prospect; it is an immediate necessity,” he said.

He added that institutions were being encouraged to integrate digital competencies, artificial intelligence, and emerging technologies into their curricula to equip graduates with practical skills needed in a modern economy.

“The objective is clear: our graduates must not only possess theoretical knowledge but also the practical skills required to thrive in a modern economy,” the minister added.