The Federal Government has exempted candidates seeking admission into Colleges of Education across Nigeria from writing the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), in a move aimed at increasing enrollment into teacher education programmes.

Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, announced the policy on Monday during the 2026 admission policy meeting held in Abuja. Alausa said candidates who possess at least four credit passes in relevant subjects will now be eligible to apply for admission into Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) programmes without sitting for the UTME conducted by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).

According to the minister, the decision followed consultations with stakeholders in the education sector and efforts by the Federal Government to improve access to tertiary education, especially in teacher-training institutions.

He explained that despite the exemption, applicants would still be required to register through JAMB’s Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS) to ensure proper documentation and transparency in the admission process.

The aim is to make Colleges of Education more accessible and encourage more young Nigerians to pursue careers in teaching,” Alausa said. The minister noted that many Colleges of Education across the country have continued to record low enrollment figures, leaving several admission spaces unfilled yearly.

He added that the new policy is expected to address the shortage of qualified teachers, particularly in rural communities, while also reducing barriers preventing students from accessing higher education.

The Federal Government also extended the exemption to candidates seeking admission into National Diploma programmes in non-technology agricultural and agriculture-related courses.

Education stakeholders have described the policy as a significant reform capable of revitalising teacher education and supporting the country’s broader educational development goals.

Meanwhile, the government reiterated that admissions conducted outside the JAMB CAPS platform remain illegal, warning institutions against violating admission guidelines.