- Home JAMB Essential Emphasizes FG has actually waived UTME for NCE
- and some agriculture ND courses.
- 4 credit passes can open NCE admission. Eligible agriculture ND applicants also
- get the waiver. All candidates should still sign up
- with JAMB. Admissions outside CAPS stay void.
Continue reading for the full UTME waiver details.
< img src=" https://myschoolgist.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Federal-Ministry-of-Education.jpg" height= "1080" width=" 1920" alt=" UTME Waiver: FG Opens NCE, Agriculture ND Path"/ > The Federal government has eliminated UTME as a requirement for some prospects who want admission into Nigeria Certificate in Education programmes and selected National Diploma courses in agriculture.
The brand-new UTME waiver covers NCE candidates and prospects choosing National Diploma programmes in non-technology farming and agriculture-related fields.
< img src="https://myschoolgist.com/wp-content/uploads/neco-waec-cbt-app.svg" alt="NECO and WAEC CBT App"/ > Education Minister Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa revealed the policy on Monday at the opening of the 2026 Policy Fulfilling on Admissions to Tertiary Schools in Nigeria, held at the Body of Benchers in Abuja.
Table of contents
What the UTME waiver means for NCE applicants
Under the new policy, prospects with at least 4 credit passes can apply for NCE programmes without sitting for UTME.
This provides Colleges of Education a broader swimming pool of applicants, specifically from close-by communities where cost, distance, culture, and demand for instructors typically form school choices; lots of young people who could train as instructors might now get a more direct route into the system.
The Minister stated JAMB information showed that Colleges of Education still have space to admit more prepared prospects.
That point formed the decision.
Agriculture ND applicants also get the exact same relief
The waiver also applies to candidates who want National Diploma admission in non-technology agricultural and agriculture-related courses.
This indicates such candidates will no longer need UTME for those particular ND programmes, as long as they fall within the authorized classification.
The policy aims to draw more individuals into teacher training and agriculture-related learning, two areas the federal government related to national growth and youth chance.
JAMB registration still stays compulsory
The UTME waiver does not remove JAMB from the admission procedure.
Alausa stated all affected prospects must still register with JAMB, while their qualifications will pass through screening, checking, and accreditation before admission letters can be released through the Central Admissions Processing System, known as CAPS.
That suggests prospects can not avoid main checks.
CAPS admission rules still use
The Minister cautioned that any admission done outside CAPS remains unlawful and will not count.
Schools that run admissions outside the authorized framework might deal with sanctions, consisting of possible suspension of running licences; this cautioning sends a clear message that broader gain access to should still follow the guidelines.
Public trust, according to the Minister, depends upon a clean and traceable admission process.
Minimum admission age stays 16
Alausa likewise restated that 16 years remains the minimum age for admission into tertiary schools.
He said the choice followed broad talks with relevant parties, and the age rule still stands under the current admission policy.
Colleges of Education get a larger role
The Minister stated Colleges of Education can assist take on the issue of out-of-school adolescents by utilizing their available admission area better.
He likewise linked the policy to early interest in mentor, considering that more young people from cities might now find instructor education within reach; for lots of households, a nearby college can make the distinction in between waiting another year and beginning a profession course.
Trainee loan plan types part of wider reforms
Alausa also discussed larger modifications in the education sector.
He pointed to the national student loan scheme under the Nigerian Education Loan Fund as a key action in reducing money barriers for trainees, with interest-free loans covering tuition and standard upkeep.
The Minister stated the government desires better gain access to, stronger quality, firmer governance, and more responsibility across education.
Assistance for students with impairments
The Minister praised JAMB for supporting Individuals Living with Disabilities through fee waivers and other procedures.
He prompted schools to develop discovering areas where every learner can study with dignity and proper support.
Computer-based testing and digital abilities remain on the program
Alausa said the government is also moving ahead with computer-based screening and more powerful digital skills in school curricula.
He included that new technologies will form part of discovering plans, so graduates can fit much better into a contemporary economy.
ASUU agreement and exam malpractice
The Minister described the 2025 Contract between the Federal Government and the Academic Personnel Union of Universities as a gain for staff well-being, financing, and school advancement.
He said the contract should assist support steady scholastic calendars.
Alausa also stated the federal government is tightening the fight versus evaluation malpractice through stronger confirmation systems and closer supervision.
Stakeholders asked to show shared duty
The Minister said the federal government now wants action, clear timelines, quantifiable targets, and constant tracking across its education reforms.
He advised stakeholders at the policy meeting to treat their decisions with care, given that those options will shape gain access to and chance for countless young Nigerians.
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