By Ngozi Nwankwo
Federal Government has
resolved that candidates seeking admission into the Nigeria Certificate in Education, NCE, programme, who possess a minimum of four (4) credit passes, will no longer be required to sit for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination,UTME.
The Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa disclosed this at the 2026 Policy Meeting on admission to tertiary institutions in Nigeria held in Abuja Monday.
Alausa clarified that such candidates must register with the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board,JAMB, while their credentials would be screened, verified and processed for admission through the Central Admission Processing System,CAPS,in line with existing regulations.
The minister added that the exemption would also apply to candidates seeking admission into National Diploma programmes in non-technology agricultural and agriculture-related courses.
He explained that the exemption forms part of ongoing reforms aimed at maximising the admission capacity of Colleges of Education, particularly in local communities.
The minister added that the exemption would also apply to candidates seeking admission into National Diploma programmes in non-technology agricultural and agriculture-related courses.
He said the policy was introduced to reduce the pressure associated with the UTME and encourage enrolment in critical sectors considered vital to national development.
Alausa reiterated that admissions conducted outside CAPS remained illegal and would not be recognised by the government.
He warned that institutions found violating established admission procedures risked sanctions, including suspension of operating licences where necessary.
The minister also reaffirmed the federal government’s position on 16 years as the minimum age for admission into tertiary institutions, stressing that the policy was intended to promote inclusivity and ensure academic readiness.
He noted that the government was implementing broad reforms across the education sector focused on access, quality, governance and accountability.
Alausa commended JAMB for deploying technology-driven solutions that had improved fairness and credibility in the admission process.
Alausa further disclosed that efforts were ongoing to promote inclusion for Persons Living With Disabilities through application fee waivers and targeted support initiatives.
According to him, the initiative reflects the government’s commitment to equity and equal opportunity, adding that the growing participation of candidates with disabilities in examinations and admissions demonstrated that removing barriers helped unlock potential.
The minister also said the federal government was advancing digital transformation in education through expanded computer-based testing and the integration of artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies into school curricula.
He stated that government had made progress in stabilising the university system following the successful renegotiation of agreements aimed at ensuring uninterrupted academic calendars.
Alausa reaffirmed the government’s commitment to tackling examination malpractice through strengthened verification systems and improved collaboration among relevant agencies.
He urged stakeholders to uphold integrity and fairness in admission processes, noting that the outcome of the policy meeting would impact millions of Nigerian youths seeking tertiary education opportunities.
