"A major policy shift for the 2026 academic session now exempts specific education and agriculture programs from UTME requirements."
In a strategic move to encourage enrollment in critical fields, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), under the guidance of the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, has announced an exemption for candidates applying for specific Education and Agriculture-based courses. This policy, adopted during the 2026 policy meeting, aims to bridge the manpower gap in these essential sectors by simplifying the admission pathway for qualified applicants.
The exemption applies to non-Engineering agricultural courses and specific teacher-training programs. By removing the UTME barrier for these candidates, the government hopes to attract more students into the teaching profession and the agricultural value chain. However, candidates must still meet the minimum entry requirements set by their respective institutions, including O’Level credit passes in relevant subjects. This policy shift is expected to take effect immediately, allowing institutions to adjust their admission quotas for the upcoming session. Prospective applicants interested in these fields are advised to consult their university's admission guidelines or visit the JAMB portal to understand how this exemption affects their specific application. This development represents a significant step in aligning the national education policy with the country's economic development needs, particularly in food security and pedagogical capacity building.
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