FG exempts candidates seeking admission into colleges of education from writing UTME

The Federal government has exempted candidates seeking admission into Colleges of Education from writing the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

The Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, disclosed this while speaking at the admission policy meeting for the 2026 UTME in Abuja today May 11.

He said candidates with four credit passes in relevant subjects are allowed to apply to the colleges of education without sitting for the UTME.

He noted that such candidates must register with the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), while their credentials are screened, verified and certified for the issuance of admission letters through CAPS in accordance with extant regulations.

He said the policy takes effect next year.

The Minister added that the federal government has also extended exemptions to candidates seeking admission into National Diploma programmes in non-technology agricultural and agriculture-related courses.

According to him, this approach strikes a necessary balance between widening access and preserving the integrity of our admission system.

“It will not only ease the pressure associated with UTME but also encourage greater participation in teacher education and agricultural programmes, both of which are critical to national development” the Minister said