The Federal Government has released fresh guidelines for candidates seeking admission into selected education and agriculture programmes without writing the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
The new policy affects students applying for Nigerian Certificate in Education programmes and some agriculture-related National Diploma courses in polytechnics and colleges of agriculture.
According to the Ministry of Education, the move is aimed at improving access to tertiary education and increasing enrolment in teacher training and agriculture-related programmes.
Courses Exempted From UTME
Under the new arrangement, candidates applying for NCE programmes in Colleges of Education will no longer need to sit for UTME before gaining admission.
The exemption also covers non-technology agriculture and agriculture-related ND programmes offered in polytechnics and colleges of agriculture.
However, the government explained that candidates must still register through the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board platform.
How To Apply For UTME-Exempt Courses
The Ministry of Education stated that all applicants must obtain the JAMB application form even though they will not write UTME for the affected courses.
Candidates are also expected to complete their admission process through the Central Admission Processing System (CAPS).
In addition, applicants must upload their O’Level results on the JAMB portal during registration.
The ministry added that admission letters for the programmes will continue to be issued through JAMB after proper verification.
Registration Process For Candidates
For NCE programmes, candidates are expected to apply directly through the JAMB portal without participating in UTME examinations.
Similarly, students seeking admission into approved agriculture-related ND courses can also apply through JAMB without sitting for UTME.
The government explained that the registration process will officially take effect from the 2026/2027 academic session.
Government Warns Against Illegal Admissions
Authorities also warned tertiary institutions against conducting admissions outside the CAPS platform.
According to the ministry, admissions processed outside the approved system will no longer be recognised.
The government further directed schools to stop issuing independent admission letters outside the official JAMB process.
The introduction of courses exempted from UTME is expected to create more opportunities for students seeking admission into education and agriculture programmes.
Education stakeholders believe the policy could help increase student enrolment and improve access to higher education across the country.
