NUT denies UTME waiver for NCE admission

The Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) has expressed concerns about the Federal Government’s decision to waive the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) for National Certificate in Education (NCE) candidates, arguing that the move could lower educational standards.

During a press conference on education policy held in Abuja on Thursday, NUT National President Mr. Titus Amba voiced the organization’s stance.

Education Minister Dr. Tunji Alausa recently announced that NCE applicants would no longer be required to sit the UTME. Instead, candidates who possess at least four O‑Level credits will be screened directly, although registration with the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) remains mandatory.

Amba contended that colleges of education should admit only the most capable students to maintain quality teacher training and improve learning outcomes.

“Education, especially at the primary and secondary levels, is the bedrock of every profession. If we fail at that foundation, we fail at every other level of education in the country,” he said.

He warned that removing key testing requirements could undermine efforts to raise academic standards in teacher training institutions.

According to Amba, rather than granting waivers, the government should make teaching a more attractive profession through enhanced incentives and welfare packages.

“We have been advocating for better working conditions and welfare for Nigerian teachers, yet little progress has been made,” he added.

Amba highlighted that countries such as Sweden and Finland prioritize teacher welfare and pay, which has strengthened their education systems. “They have invested heavily in education, particularly in teachers’ welfare and working conditions,” he explained.

He asserted that Nigeria has the capacity to achieve similar results if it prioritizes basic education and teacher development.

Amba also recalled unfulfilled promises from 2020 by former President Muhammadu Buhari, including improved incentives and a special salary structure for teachers. “Go to the field and visit colleges of education, such as the one in Zuba, to see what has been implemented,” he said.

He criticized policy inconsistency across administrations, noting that most promised reforms have not been fully realized.

The NUT president maintained that improving teachers’ welfare, rather than admission waivers, remains key to attracting quality candidates into the profession. (NAN)

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