The Federal Government has scrapped the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) requirement for candidates seeking admission into Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) programmes in colleges of education across the country.
Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, announced the decision on Monday during the 2026 policy meeting of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) in Abuja.
Under the new arrangement, candidates applying for NCE programmes will only need a minimum of four credits in relevant O-level subjects to secure admission, without sitting for the UTME conducted by JAMB.
The minister explained that the policy was introduced to simplify the admission process and reduce administrative pressure on the examination body.
The development forms part of wider reforms in the colleges of education system aimed at restructuring teacher training and improving access to tertiary education.
The National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE) had earlier confirmed receiving ministerial directives on the implementation of the Dual Mandate policy and a new Continuous Five-Year NCE/Degree Programme structure for colleges of education nationwide.
According to the directives issued on May 5, 2026, colleges currently operating the Dual Mandate four-year degree programme are expected to discontinue admissions into that structure.
The new framework will replace the existing system with a combined pathway that allows students to complete a three-year NCE programme followed by a two-year degree programme.
Authorities said the revised structure would take effect from the 2026/2027 academic session.
The reform is expected to significantly alter admission processes into colleges of education and expand opportunities for students seeking careers in teaching and education-related fields.
Education stakeholders have also described the move as part of broader efforts to revive interest in teacher education and strengthen manpower development within the sector.
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