NUT rejects FG's UTME exemption for NCE candidates, warns of falling teacher standards

The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) opposes the Federal Government's plan to exempt Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) candidates from writing the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), warning this could further undermine teacher education standards. NUT National President Audu Amba stated this position on Tuesday in Abuja during a sensitisation workshop organised by 21st Century with the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN).

Amba expressed concern about declining quality of candidates entering colleges of education, noting top-performing students now prioritise universities, leaving education colleges as last-choice institutions. He argued colleges of education should attract Nigeria's strongest academic performers, not serve as fallbacks for those failing university admission, questioning why NCE aspirants shouldn't need to be among UTME's highest scorers.

TRCN Registrar Dr Ronke Soyombo stressed repositioning teachers for the digital economy's needs, while Education Minister Dr Tunji Alausa's representative Dr Iyabo Ali called for continuous teacher capacity development. Senate Minority Leader Senator Abba Moro highlighted that over 70 percent of schools lack adequate facilities, warning this gap threatens Nigeria's educational foundation.

With colleges of education increasingly seen as second-choice options, will exempting NCE candidates from UTME raise or lower teaching standards in Nigeria, and what alternative solutions should ensure education attracts top talent?

SOURCE: https://dailypost.ng/2026/05/13/nut-rejects-fg-plan-to-exempt-nce-candidates-from-utme/