Education Programs and Agriculture non-Engineering Courses are now exempted
The Federal Government has announced that candidates seeking admission into education-related programmes and agriculture non-engineering courses in Nigerian tertiary institutions will now be exempted from writing the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
The new policy, aimed at boosting enrollment in critical sectors, was revealed as part of ongoing reforms to strengthen the nation’s education and agricultural workforce. According to officials, the move is designed to encourage more young Nigerians to pursue careers in teaching and agriculture, sectors considered vital to national development but which have continued to record declining interest among students.
Under the arrangement, candidates applying for approved education programmes and selected agriculture courses that are non-engineering based may now gain admission through alternative screening processes set by institutions and regulatory bodies, without sitting for the UTME conducted by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board.
Education stakeholders have described the decision as a bold attempt to address shortages in qualified teachers and agricultural professionals across the country. Analysts believe the exemption could reduce financial pressure on applicants while making access to higher education easier for students interested in those fields.
The Federal Ministry of Education noted that the policy aligns with broader efforts to reposition the education sector and improve food security through increased agricultural participation among youths.
Some university administrators have welcomed the development, saying it could help revive interest in teacher education programmes, many of which have struggled with low application numbers in recent years.
However, some critics argue that proper monitoring and quality control measures must be introduced to ensure that standards are not compromised despite the UTME exemption.
More details on implementation guidelines and the institutions affected are expected to be released in the coming weeks.
