The Minister Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa. has said that candidates seeking admission into NCE programme, with a minimum of four credit passes, will no longer be required to sit for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, UTME.
The minister, at the 2026 Policy Meeting on Admissions in Abuja, said that such candidates must still register with JAMB for screening, verification and processing of admission through the Central Admissions Processing System, CAPS.
He added that the exemption would also apply to candidates seeking admission into National Diploma programmes in non-technology agricultural and agriculture-related courses.
Alausa also reaffirmed that 16 years remains the minimum age for admission into tertiary institutions in Nigeria.
He said the policy followed extensive consultations and reviews, adding that exceptional cases would only be considered under clearly defined guidelines to protect the integrity of the education system.
The minister further declared that any admission conducted outside CAPS is illegal and will not be recognised by the government.
He warned institutions against operating parallel admission systems, stressing that violators risk sanctions, including suspension of operating licences.
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