The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has announced a major change to Nigeria’s tertiary admission process, revealing that candidates seeking admission into Education programmes and Agriculture-related non-engineering courses will no longer be required to sit for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination.
The announcement was made during the 2026 Policy Meeting on Admissions to Tertiary Institutions held in Abuja on Monday.
According to the examination body, the new policy is aimed at expanding access to higher education while encouraging more students to study Education and Agriculture-related courses.
Education candidates no longer need UTME
Speaking at the meeting, Nigeria’s Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, said candidates seeking admission into National Certificate in Education programmes can now gain admission without writing UTME, provided they meet the minimum academic requirements.
According to the minister, candidates with at least four credit passes will qualify for admission into NCE programmes without taking the examination.
He, however, clarified that all applicants must still register with JAMB for screening and verification through the Central Admission Processing System.
“Candidates seeking admission into the NCE programme who possess a minimum of four credit passes will no longer be required to sit for UTME,” the minister stated.
Agriculture courses also affected
The exemption also applies to candidates seeking admission into National Diploma programmes in non-technology agricultural and agriculture-related courses.
Officials said the move is expected to encourage more young Nigerians to study agriculture and education, sectors considered important to national development.
The government explained that the new admission pathway would reduce the pressure associated with UTME while still maintaining proper admission standards.
Major change to Nigeria’s admission system
The development represents one of the biggest changes to Nigeria’s tertiary admission system in recent years.
Traditionally, UTME has been the compulsory entrance examination for candidates seeking admission into universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education across Nigeria.
The annual JAMB policy meeting is usually organised to determine admission guidelines, cut-off marks, and procedures for tertiary institutions nationwide.
Education and Agriculture courses have historically attracted lower admission competition compared to programmes such as Medicine, Law, and Engineering.
Analysts believe the new policy could increase enrollment in teacher education and agricultural studies across the country.
JAMB’s latest decision marks a significant shift in Nigeria’s education sector as authorities move to create alternative admission pathways for selected courses. Stakeholders say the policy could improve access to tertiary education while boosting interest in Education and Agriculture programmes nationwide.
