No More UTME! Federal Government Scraps JAMB Exam for College of Education Candidates

In a landmark move to reform the Nigerian education sector, the Federal Government has officially scrapped the *Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME)* requirement for candidates seeking admission into *Colleges of Education (COEs)*.

This directive marks a significant departure from decades of admission tradition and is expected to streamline the path for aspiring teachers across the country.

The Official Announcement

The Minister of Education, *Tunji Alausa*, broke the news during the *2026 JAMB admission policy meeting* held in Abuja on Monday. This policy change is part of a broader strategy to boost enrollment in teacher-training institutions and address the growing demand for qualified educators in Nigeria.

 New Entry Requirements for 2026 Admissions

Under the new guidelines, the entry process has been simplified to focus on secondary school performance rather than a single entrance examination.

* *Direct Application:* Candidates with at least *four credit passes* in relevant subjects in their O'Level results (WAEC, NECO, or equivalent) can now apply directly to their College of Education of choice.

* *No UTME Required:* Applicants for National Certificate in Education (NCE) programs are no longer mandated to sit for the JAMB UTME.

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> **Important Note on Documentation:**

> While the examination requirement has been removed, the role of the **Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB)** remains vital. All applicants are still required to **register with JAMB**. This ensures proper documentation, data tracking, and official admission processing for every student.

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Why This Matters for Prospective Students**

This policy shift provides several immediate benefits for candidates:

1. *Reduced Financial Burden:* Students no longer need to pay for UTME coaching or examination fees if their goal is a College of Education.

2. *Focus on Core Subjects:* Admission will now be more heavily weighted on a student's consistent performance in relevant secondary school subjects.

3. *Faster Processing:* By applying directly to the institutions, the admission cycle can be shortened, allowing students to begin their professional training sooner.

A New Era for Teacher Education**

Minister Tunji Alausa’s announcement at the Abuja policy meeting underscores the government’s commitment to making teacher education more accessible. By lowering the barriers to entry, the Federal Government aims to revitalize the NCE program and ensure that our classrooms are filled with dedicated, well-trained professionals.

*Stay tuned for more updates on the 2026 admission cycle and how to navigate the new JAMB registration portal.*