The Nigerian government has exempted candidates applying for education and non-engineering agriculture courses from taking the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). The policy will take effect from the 2026/2027 admission cycle and was announced at the annual admission policy meeting held by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) in Abuja. Minister of Education Tunji Alausa stated that applicants with at least four credit passes in relevant subjects can now gain admission into Colleges of Education without sitting for the UTME. These candidates must still register with JAMB for documentation and admission processing. Their academic credentials will be screened, verified, and certified before admission letters are issued through the Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS), in accordance with existing regulations. JAMB confirmed the exemption in a statement posted on its official X handle, stating: "Candidates seeking admissions into Education Programs and Agriculture non-Engineering Courses are now exempted from UTME." The annual JAMB policy meeting sets admission guidelines, cut-off marks, and procedures for universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education nationwide. While UTME exemptions already apply to certain categories such as Direct Entry applicants, this change marks one of the broadest waivers introduced in recent years. The policy shift is expected to reshape admission pathways for education and non-engineering agriculture programmes.
Students aiming for education and non-engineering agriculture courses can now gain admission with four credit passes without sitting for UTME starting in the 2026/2027 cycle. Affected candidates should register with JAMB and ensure their academic records are properly documented for verification through CAPS.
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