JAMB begins registration for NCE, agricultural ND applicants without UTME

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has initiated registration for candidates aspiring to enroll in Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) programs at Colleges of Education and non-technological National Diploma programs in agriculture-related courses. Notably, these applicants are no longer required to take the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

Fabian Benjamin, JAMB's spokesperson, announced that eligible candidates with the necessary O'Level credits can register at designated Institutional Professional Registration Centres (IPRCs) located in colleges of education or any JAMB Professional Registration Centre nationwide. This exemption stems from a Federal Government decision aimed at broadening access to teacher education and agriculture programs.

JAMB has implemented an admission process designed to admit only qualified candidates while upholding the quality and standards of these programs. Candidates are urged to utilize this opportunity by registering at the designated centers across the country. For those who sat the 2026 UTME but now wish to pursue NCE or non-technological agricultural programs, applications can be converted at any designated center without additional cost.

Previously, in May, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, announced that candidates applying to colleges of education would be exempt from the UTME, provided they had at least four credit passes in relevant subjects. The exemption has now been extended to National Diploma programs in non-technology agricultural and agriculture-related courses. However, the Nigeria Union of Teachers has expressed concerns, warning that poor implementation could potentially weaken the quality of teacher education and professionalism.

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Under this policy, eligible candidates only need to visit any designated IPRC or JAMB PRC with their O’Level credentials to complete their registration. There is no requirement to sit for the annual UTME.