UTME Exemption Policy: JAMB Removes Exam Requirement for Education and Agriculture Courses
New admission pathway sparks major shift in Nigeria’s tertiary education entry system.
ABUJA, NIGERIA – The iNews Times | UTME exemption policy has been officially introduced as the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) https://www.jamb.gov.ng announces that candidates seeking admission into Education programmes and non-engineering Agriculture courses will no longer be required to sit for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination.
The decision was disclosed on Monday via JAMB’s official X handle during the ongoing 2026 policy meeting on admissions, marking one of the most significant changes to Nigeria’s tertiary entry requirements in recent years.
In this report, we examine the key developments, reactions from stakeholders, and the broader implications.
Background of the Story
For decades, the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination has served as the primary gateway into universities, polytechnics and colleges of education across Nigeria.
Administered by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, the examination has remained central to determining eligibility for higher education placement.
However, growing concerns around access, teacher shortages, and declining interest in key national development fields such as education and agriculture have prompted reforms in admission policies.
Key Developments
The UTME exemption policy was formally announced during the 2026 Policy Meeting on Admissions to Tertiary Institutions held in Abuja.
Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, stated that candidates seeking admission into National Certificate in Education (NCE) programmes will no longer be required to sit for UTME, provided they meet minimum academic qualifications.
“Candidates seeking admission into the NCE programme, who possess a minimum of four credit passes, will no longer be required to sit for the UTME,” Alausa said.
He, however, stressed that all candidates must still register with JAMB, adding that academic credentials will undergo screening, verification, and certification through the Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS).
The UTME exemption policy also extends to candidates seeking admission into National Diploma programmes in non-technology agricultural and agriculture-related disciplines.
According to the minister, the reform is designed to widen access to tertiary education while maintaining academic integrity and admission standards.
“This approach strikes a necessary balance between widening access and preserving the integrity of our admission system,” Alausa said.
Reactions from Stakeholders
Education stakeholders have described the UTME exemption policy as a potentially transformative step, particularly for teacher education and agricultural development in Nigeria.
Officials argue that the policy could reduce barriers for students in disciplines that have historically struggled to attract high application numbers compared to competitive courses such as Medicine, Law, and Engineering.
JAMB, through its policy communication channels, reiterated that while UTME is being waived for selected programmes, institutional screening and verification remain mandatory for all applicants.
Implications
The policy marks a significant shift in Nigeria’s long-standing reliance on UTME as a universal entry requirement.
Analysts say the reform could reshape admission dynamics, especially in Colleges of Education and agricultural institutions, by increasing enrolment in critical but under-subscribed programmes.
The UTME exemption policy is also expected to ease pressure on the examination system, which annually processes millions of candidates competing for limited university placements.
However, education experts caution that implementation will require strict oversight to prevent abuse and ensure consistent academic standards across institutions.
What Happens Next
JAMB is expected to finalise additional admission guidelines, including the 2026 UTME cut-off marks, as part of the ongoing policy discussions in Abuja.
Institutions will also begin adjusting their admission frameworks to align with the new exemption structure, particularly for Education and Agriculture-related programmes.
Further regulatory details are expected to be communicated through official JAMB channels in the coming weeks.
Conclusion
The introduction of the UTME exemption policy signals a major recalibration of Nigeria’s tertiary admission system.
While the reform aims to expand access and strengthen key development sectors, its success will ultimately depend on effective implementation, institutional compliance, and sustained regulatory oversight.
As Nigeria’s education system continues to evolve, The iNews Times will continue to track how these policy shifts reshape opportunities for millions of prospective students nationwide.
