The Federal Government’s decision to exempt candidates seeking admission into Colleges of Education and some agriculture-related programmes from the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination has continued to generate reactions across Nigeria’s education sector.
Education stakeholders, unions and policy experts have expressed differing views on the policy announced by the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa.
FG Exemption of Colleges of Education From UTME Sparks Debate
FG exemption of Colleges of Education from UTME was announced during the annual tertiary admissions policy meeting.
The policy also covers National Diploma programmes in non-technology agricultural and agriculture-related courses.
According to the minister, candidates will still be required to register with the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board for documentation and admission processing through the Central Admissions Processing System.
Government Says Policy Will Improve Access
FG exemption of Colleges of Education from UTME is aimed at expanding access to tertiary education and encouraging more students to study education and agriculture.
The Minister of Education said the decision would reduce pressure associated with the UTME process while preserving admission integrity.
He also warned institutions against conducting admissions outside approved regulatory procedures.
COEASU Raises Concerns Over Education Standards
The Colleges of Education Academic Staff Union criticised the new policy and argued that stakeholders were not adequately consulted.
Its National President, Lawan Bazza, said reforms affecting teacher education should involve broader consultations.
FG exemption of Colleges of Education from UTME, according to the union, could affect the quality of teacher training if not properly implemented.
NUT Warns Against Weakening Teacher Training
The Nigeria Union of Teachers also expressed reservations about the policy.
NUT President Titus Amba said teaching should remain a profession guided by structured training and proper screening.
FG exemption of Colleges of Education from UTME may create public concerns about the seriousness attached to teacher education, he stated.
NCCE Defends New Admission Policy
The National Commission for Colleges of Education defended the reforms and described them as a restructuring process rather than a lowering of standards.
Executive Secretary Angela Ajala explained that the new five-year NCE-degree structure would strengthen teacher education.
FG exemption of Colleges of Education from UTME, she said, is designed to improve progression pathways while maintaining the Nigeria Certificate in Education as the professional foundation for teachers.
Experts Share Different Views on Reform
Some education experts supported the dual mandate structure, saying it could improve teacher preparation and professional development.
Others, however, argued that removing UTME requirements could weaken public confidence in teacher education programmes.
FG exemption of Colleges of Education from UTME has also attracted criticism from Adewole Adebayo, who described the policy as a reduction in academic standards.
Calls for Better Investment in Education
Stakeholders also urged the government to improve investment in teacher welfare, school infrastructure and digital learning facilities.
Concerns were raised about access to computers and internet services in rural communities.
FG exemption of Colleges of Education from UTME continues to generate nationwide discussions as stakeholders assess its long-term impact on Nigeria’s education system.
