The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has officially commenced registration for candidates seeking admission into Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) programmes and selected National Diploma (ND) agricultural courses without requiring them to sit for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). This follows a Federal Government directive aimed at increasing enrolment in Colleges of Education and encouraging more Nigerians to pursue careers in agriculture.
Who Qualifies for the UTME Waiver?
The UTME waiver applies to two categories of programmes: all Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) programmes offered by accredited Colleges of Education, and non-technological National Diploma (ND) programmes in agriculture and agriculture-related disciplines offered by eligible polytechnics and specialised institutions. However, not every agricultural course qualifies; the waiver covers only non-technological agricultural ND programmes such as Agricultural Extension and Crop Production. Technological programmes like agricultural engineering will continue to require the UTME.
Minimum Requirements for Admission
Although exempt from the UTME, candidates must still meet academic requirements. They must possess at least four O'Level credit passes in relevant subjects and present original certificates for verification during registration. JAMB emphasised that removing the UTME does not lower admission standards, as all applicants undergo credential verification and screening through the Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS).
Registration Is Still Compulsory
The waiver only removes the UTME exam; candidates must still register with JAMB, pay applicable fees, submit O'Level credentials, and obtain an official admission letter via CAPS. Registration can be done at Institutional Professional Registration Centres (IPRCs) within Colleges of Education, JAMB Professional Registration Centres (PRCs), official CBT centres, or JAMB state offices. Applicants are advised to use only approved centres to avoid fraud.
Free Application Conversion for 2026 UTME Candidates
JAMB also announced that candidates who already sat for the 2026 UTME but now wish to pursue an NCE or eligible agricultural ND programme can convert their existing application free of charge at any designated registration centre. No additional application fee is required for the conversion, though normal admission processing requirements still apply. All admissions continue to be processed centrally through CAPS.
