- Home JAMB Necessary Highlights FG has actually waived UTME for NCE
- and some agriculture ND courses.
- Four credit passes can open NCE admission. Qualified farming ND candidates likewise
- get the waiver. All candidates need to still register
- with JAMB. Admissions outside CAPS remain invalid.
Read on for the complete 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, Farming ND Course"/ > The Federal Government has removed UTME as a requirement for some prospects who want admission into Nigeria Certificate in Education programs and selected National Diploma courses in agriculture.
The brand-new UTME waiver covers NCE candidates and prospects opting for 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 candidates
Under the new policy, prospects with a minimum of 4 credit passes can request NCE programmes without sitting for UTME.
This provides Colleges of Education a wider pool of candidates, particularly from close-by communities where cost, range, culture, and need for teachers frequently form school choices; lots of youths who might train as instructors might now get a more direct path into the system.
The Minister stated JAMB data revealed that Colleges of Education still have space to confess more prepared candidates.
That point formed the choice.
Agriculture ND candidates likewise get the exact same relief
The waiver also uses to candidates who want National Diploma admission in non-technology farming and agriculture-related courses.
This implies such candidates will no longer require UTME for those particular ND programmes, as long as they fall within the approved category.
The policy aims to draw more individuals into teacher training and agriculture-related learning, two locations the federal government related to nationwide growth and youth opportunity.
JAMB registration still remains obligatory
The UTME waiver does not get rid of JAMB from the admission procedure.
Alausa said all impacted prospects need to still register with JAMB, while their qualifications will pass through screening, monitoring, and accreditation before admission letters can be issued through the Central Admissions Processing System, called CAPS.
That suggests candidates can not skip main checks.
CAPS admission guidelines still use
The Minister alerted that any admission done outside CAPS stays prohibited and will not count.
Schools that run admissions outside the authorized structure may face sanctions, including possible suspension of running licences; this alerting sends out a clear message that larger access must still follow the guidelines.
Public trust, according to the Minister, depends upon a clean and traceable admission process.
Minimum admission age remains 16
Alausa also reiterated that 16 years remains the minimum age for admission into tertiary schools.
He said the choice followed broad talks with pertinent parties, and the age rule still stands under the present admission policy.
Colleges of Education get a bigger function
The Minister said Colleges of Education can assist take on the problem of out-of-school teenagers by utilizing their readily available admission space much better.
He also connected the policy to early interest in teaching, because more youths from cities may now find instructor education within reach; for lots of households, a nearby college can make the difference in between waiting another year and beginning a career path.
Trainee loan scheme forms part of broader reforms
Alausa also spoke about broader modifications in the education sector.
He indicated the nationwide trainee loan plan under the Nigerian Education Loan Fund as an essential step in lowering cash barriers for trainees, with interest-free loans covering tuition and basic maintenance.
The Minister stated the government wants better access, more powerful quality, firmer governance, and more accountability across education.
Support for students with disabilities
The Minister applauded JAMB for supporting Individuals Dealing with Disabilities through fee waivers and other measures.
He prompted schools to develop discovering areas where every student can study with dignity and proper assistance.
Computer-based screening and digital skills remain on the agenda
Alausa said the government is likewise continuing with computer-based screening and more powerful digital abilities in school curricula.
He included that new innovations will form part of learning strategies, so graduates can fit better into a contemporary economy.
ASUU arrangement and exam malpractice
The Minister described the 2025 Contract in between the Federal Government and the Academic Personnel Union of Universities as a gain for personnel welfare, funding, and school development.
He said the agreement needs to help support steady scholastic calendars.
Alausa also stated the government is tightening the battle against evaluation malpractice through more powerful confirmation systems and closer guidance.
Stakeholders asked to act with shared responsibility
The Minister said the government now wants action, clear timelines, measurable targets, and constant tracking across its education reforms.
He urged stakeholders at the policy meeting to treat their choices with care, given that those choices will form access and opportunity for countless young Nigerians.
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