Stakeholders fault FG over UTME waiver, admission reforms
Undergraduates and educational consultants across tertiary institutions in Nigeria have expressed reservations over the Federal Government’s newly introduced policy on admission requirements for certain courses and programmes.
Earlier, the Minister of Education, Dr Olatunji Alausa, announced during the 2026 JAMB admission policy meeting that candidates seeking admission into Colleges of Education for NCE programmes, as well as some National Diploma agricultural programmes, would no longer be required to sit for the UTME.
According to the minister, the reform is intended to ease restrictive admission processes that have contributed to rising numbers of out-of-school adolescents, limited access to tertiary education, and low participation in teacher education and agricultural manpower development programmes.
Following the announcement, students expressed concerns over the absence of a clear academic benchmark, warning that the policy could undermine standards and weaken intellectual capacity within the education system.
Reacting to the development, an educational consultant, Bamidele Victor, said the policy, though well-intentioned, should be reconsidered, noting that the sector is already grappling with unqualified personnel.
“Nigeria’s education system is already struggling. We must attract the brightest minds, not further weaken it. Allowing just anyone into the field is not advisable. The policy needs to be revisited,” he said.
Similarly, Favour Oni, an undergraduate at the University of Lagos, said academic pursuit is rigorous and should not be treated lightly, adding that standards must be protected across all disciplines.
In the same vein, the President of the Nigeria Union of Teachers, Titus Amba, also expressed concerns over the waiver of UTME for colleges of education, warning that it could raise questions about the credibility of teachers being produced.
