The Federal Government, through the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, has officially scrapped the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) requirement for candidates seeking admission into specific courses and institutions. According to a report by Leadership, this landmark policy shift was announced on Monday, May 11, 2026, during the JAMB Policy Meeting in Abuja, aimed at boosting enrollment in critical sectors.
The decision is primarily targeted at Colleges of Education and certain vocational/technical programs. The government noted that the traditional UTME bottleneck has contributed to a decline in interest in teacher training and agricultural studies, sectors that are vital for national development. By removing this barrier, the ministry hopes to fill the significant admission capacities of these institutions, particularly by attracting local candidates who may have been discouraged by the rigors or costs of the national entrance exam.
Key Details of the New Policy
- NCE Candidates: Applicants for the Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) who possess at least four credit passes in relevant O’Level subjects are now exempt from the UTME.
- Agricultural & Vocational Courses: The waiver also extends to National Diploma (ND) programs in non-technology agricultural and agriculture-related courses.
- Mandatory Registration: While the exam is scrapped for these students, they are still required to register with JAMB for data purposes. Their credentials will be screened and verified via the Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS) before admission letters are issued.
- Maintaining Standards: Minister Alausa emphasized that this is not a lowering of standards but a “strategic repositioning” to address manpower shortages and reduce the number of out-of-school adolescents.
- Nursing & Universities: It is important to note that the UTME remains mandatory for degree-awarding universities and colleges of nursing, with the 2026/2027 minimum cut-off mark set at 150.
