The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced that candidates seeking admission into Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE), non-technology, and agriculture programmes will no longer be required to sit for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). This marks a significant shift in the admission process for these categories of students.
New Registration Process
According to JAMB's Registrar, Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, the board has opened a special registration window for these programmes. Candidates can now apply directly through the Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS) without the need to take the UTME. The move is aimed at streamlining admissions and reducing the burden on prospective students.
Prof. Oloyede stated, "This initiative is part of our efforts to make education more accessible, especially for those interested in teaching, agriculture, and non-tech fields. We believe that by removing the UTME requirement, we will encourage more students to pursue these critical areas."
Eligibility and Requirements
To be eligible, candidates must have at least five credits in relevant subjects, including Mathematics and English, at not more than two sittings in their O'level examinations. They will also need to meet the specific entry requirements of their chosen institutions.
The registration is open to both fresh candidates and those who may have previously attempted the UTME but wish to switch to these programmes. JAMB has emphasized that the process is free of charge, and candidates are advised to apply only through the official JAMB portal to avoid fraud.
Impact on Education
This policy is expected to boost enrollment in NCE programmes, which are crucial for training teachers for primary and junior secondary schools. Similarly, agriculture programmes aim to address the shortage of skilled professionals in the sector. The non-tech category covers areas such as arts, humanities, and social sciences.
Education stakeholders have welcomed the development. Dr. Adebayo Ogunleye, a university don, commented, "This is a progressive step that aligns with the national goal of improving literacy and agricultural productivity. It will also help in reducing the pressure on the UTME system."
How to Apply
Interested candidates should visit the JAMB website and navigate to the special registration section. They will be required to create a profile, provide their O'level details, and select their preferred institution and programme. After submission, applications will be processed through CAPS, and admission offers will be made based on merit and quota.
JAMB has warned that no third-party agents are authorized to assist with registration, and candidates should not pay any money to anyone for the process. The board has set up a helpdesk for inquiries and support.
Conclusion
The removal of the UTME requirement for NCE, non-tech, and agriculture programmes is a landmark decision by JAMB. It is expected to widen access to higher education and support national development in key sectors. Candidates are encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity and apply promptly.
