Major Admission Shake-Up as JAMB Removes UTME Requirement for Some Courses
By Ranti Thomas
Nigeria’s admission process is heading for a major change after the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board announced that some candidates will no longer need to sit for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination before gaining admission.
The new policy affects students applying for Education programmes and Agriculture-related non-engineering courses across tertiary institutions in the country.
JAMB disclosed the decision during its ongoing 2026 policy meeting on admissions, describing the move as part of wider reforms aimed at improving access to higher education.
The development means candidates seeking admission into those selected courses may now be considered through alternative admission processes without writing the UTME.
The decision is already generating reactions across Nigeria’s education sector, with many students and parents expressing surprise over the sudden adjustment to a system that has existed for decades.
Education stakeholders believe the policy could help increase interest in teaching and agriculture-related programmes, areas many institutions have struggled to attract enough applicants.
Some analysts also see the move as an attempt to address shortages in critical sectors like food production and education by making admission easier for interested candidates.
The announcement comes at a time when JAMB and the Federal Government are reviewing broader admission policies, including cut-off marks and entry requirements for tertiary institutions.
Reports also suggest the exemption may reduce pressure on the examination system and lower the number of candidates sitting for UTME yearly.
Despite the excitement, questions remain over how institutions will screen and admit affected candidates without the standard entrance examination process.
As discussions continue, many Nigerians are now waiting for JAMB to release full guidelines explaining how the new admission arrangement will operate nationwide.