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JAMB Published: May 12, 2026 • By Emmanuel Iweh

New Policy Exempts Education and Agriculture Applicants from UTME

New Policy Exempts Education and Agriculture Applicants from UTME

"In a new directive, JAMB has exempted candidates applying for certain Education and Agriculture programs from the UTME requirement."

During the 2026 Policy Meeting led by the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) unveiled a new policy initiative aimed at boosting enrollment in critical sectors. Specifically, candidates seeking admission into selected Education programs and non-engineering Agriculture courses are now exempted from the standard UTME examination requirements. This landmark decision is designed to encourage more students to pursue careers in teaching and agricultural sciences, which are vital for national development. The meeting, held on May 11, 2026, also set guidelines for the 2026 admission exercise into tertiary institutions. While the UTME remains the primary gatekeeper for most university courses, this special exemption highlights the government's strategic intent to incentivize enrollment in fields where there is a significant skill gap. Educators have welcomed the move as a proactive measure to address the declining interest in these core sectors. Further details regarding the specific list of exempted courses and the alternative entry modalities are expected to be disseminated by the board and the respective institutions in the coming weeks. Candidates interested in these fields are advised to stay updated via official communication channels.

Official Source Reference: https://bbc.com/pidgin

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