Jane Salihu
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has commenced registration for candidates seeking admission into Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) programmes in Colleges of Education and Non-Technological Agricultural Programmes in Polytechnics under the Federal Government’s new admission policy that exempts applicants from writing the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
The development is expected to widen access to teacher education and agricultural training while maintaining admission standards.
This was disclosed in a statement issued by JAMB’s Acting Director of Public Affairs and Protocol, Dr. Fabian Benjamin, who said eligible candidates can now register by visiting any Institutional Professional Registration Centre (IPRC) in Colleges of Education or any JAMB Professional Registration Centre (PRC) across the country with their O’Level credentials.
According to the statement, the Federal Government had earlier approved the removal of the UTME requirement for admission into NCE and Non-Technological Agricultural Programmes, prompting JAMB to establish a dedicated admission process that ensures only qualified candidates are admitted.
Benjamin explained that applicants are no longer required to sit for the annual UTME but only need to present the prescribed O’Level credits at designated registration centres to complete the admission process.
He urged eligible candidates to take advantage of the opportunity by registering promptly at the approved centres nationwide.
The statement further noted that candidates who participated in the 2026 UTME but have decided to pursue NCE or Non-Technological Agricultural Programmes can convert their applications at any IPRC or JAMB PRC without paying any additional fee.
JAMB said the initiative is designed to increase enrolment in teacher education and agricultural programmes while preserving and enhancing the quality of training offered through the two educational pathways.
