JAMB Exempts Education, Agriculture Candidates from UTME Requirement 

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced that candidates applying for Education programmes and Agriculture‑related non‑engineering courses no longer need to sit for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). 

This marks a major change in Nigeria’s tertiary admissions process, with potentially thousands of students affected. Traditionally, the UTME has been mandatory for entry into universities, polytechnics and colleges of education nationwide

What the New Policy Says

JAMB announced the change on Monday during its annual policy meeting on admissions. The board shared the update via its official X account, stating:

“Candidates seeking admissions into Education programmes and Agriculture non‑Engineering Courses are now exempted from UTME.”
This applies only to non‑engineering Agriculture programmes and Education courses. Candidates for other disciplines must still take the UTME to qualify for admission.

Why the Change Matters

For decades, the UTME has served as the standard entrance test for students seeking admission into Nigeria’s higher institutions. The exam tests candidates on a mix of subjects, including Use of English and three other related subjects. It has been compulsory for nearly all applicants.

With the new waiver, many applicants in Education and Agriculture fields may now use alternative pathways, such as institutional screening, academic qualifications, or other criteria to gain admission. This could make access to these programmes easier and less stressful for students. (turn0search3)

What This Means for Prospective Students

Students who plan to study education or non‑engineering agriculture programmes may no longer need to pay for UTME registration or sit for the exam. Instead, they must focus on other admission requirements set by their chosen institutions.

Institutions will likely rely on factors such as secondary school results, internal screening exams, and other qualifications to select candidates.

Expert View: A Step Toward Inclusive Admissions

Education specialists believe the move could help widen access to teaching and agricultural studies — areas often seen as less competitive compared with courses like medicine or engineering.

By removing the UTME hurdle, more students may be encouraged to pursue careers in teaching and agriculture, sectors critical to national development. However, experts also stress that quality standards must remain high. Alternatives to the UTME should still fairly assess candidates’ readiness for academic work.

Policymakers may need to provide clear guidelines to institutions on how to conduct fair and transparent internal screenings. Without this, the change could lead to inconsistencies across universities.

What Remains Unclear

JAMB has not yet released detailed criteria that institutions must use for admissions without the UTME. It is also unclear how universities and colleges will implement the new policy in practice.

Institutions will need to update their admission portals and inform applicants about new requirements. Students and parents should watch for updates from JAMB and the school of their choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

What did JAMB announce?

JAMB said that candidates seeking admission into Education programmes and Agriculture non‑engineering courses are now exempt from writing the UTME. 

Who still needs to take the UTME?

Candidates applying for engineering, medicine, law, business, sciences and other competitive programmes must still sit for the UTME.

Why did JAMB make this change?

The board has not publicly explained in detail, but the policy occurred as part of its annual admissions meeting. Experts believe it seeks to broaden access to key fields.

Does this mean no exam at all?

Not necessarily. Universities and colleges may require institutional screening exams or academic qualifications instead of the UTME.