The Federal Government has announced that candidates seeking admission into colleges of education will no longer be required to sit for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination.
Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, disclosed this on Monday in Abuja during the 2026 UTME admission policy meeting, noting that the new policy will take effect from next year.
Under the arrangement, candidates who obtain at least four credit passes in relevant subjects can gain admission into colleges of education without writing the UTME.
Despite the exemption, Alausa clarified that prospective applicants must still register with the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB, for proper documentation and verification.
He explained that candidates’ credentials would be screened, authenticated and processed before admission letters are issued through the Central Admissions Processing System, CAPS, in line with existing admission procedures.
“Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, there is compelling evidence, including empirical data from the JAMB, that colleges of education possess significant capacity to admit willing candidates, particularly from their immediate localities,” Alausa said.
“This is attributable to a range of factors, including proximity, cultural alignment, affordability, and community-based demand for teacher education.”
The minister further revealed that the exemption has also been extended to applicants seeking admission into National Diploma programmes in non-technology, agricultural and agriculture-related courses.
According to him, the policy is designed to improve access to tertiary education while maintaining the credibility of the admission process.
“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,” the minister said.
