The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Kaduna State branch, has strongly opposed the Federal Government's decision to exempt candidates seeking admission into Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) programmes from sitting for the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) examinations.
Union's Stance
In a press statement, the union announced that this position was unanimously adopted at the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the NUT held in Abuja on May 14, 2026. The NUT described the federal government's decision as “counterproductive” and a move that would undermine teacher education standards in Nigeria.
Chairman's Remarks
The NUT Kaduna Chairman, Ibrahim Dalhatu, emphasized that “the process of training teachers must remain vigorous and highly competitive,” adding that “teaching is a highly intellectual and strategic profession.” He argued that exempting Colleges of Education candidates from JAMB would reinforce the perception that teaching is a profession for academically weak candidates and a “last resort” career option.
Global Best Practices
The union further stated that the policy contradicts global best practices, where high-performing education systems recruit teachers from the best and brightest students. It also warned that the move would weaken ongoing reforms by the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria aimed at improving the profession's status.
Alternative Recommendations
Instead of removing JAMB requirements, the NUT Kaduna urged the Federal Government to improve teachers' welfare, increase remuneration, and provide scholarships, bursaries, and special incentives for students studying education. The union noted that such measures would attract more qualified candidates without lowering standards.
Call for Implementation
The NUT also called for full implementation of the law signed by former President Muhammadu Buhari on April 9, 2022, which it said addresses the concerns the government seeks to resolve through the exemption.
