JAMB announces Major 2026 admission changes: UTME scrapped for NCE candidates, new cut-off marks revealed
JAMB announces new 2026 admission policies and UTME reforms in Abuja.
Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has unveiled sweeping reforms and fresh policies for the 2026 admission cycle, including the exemption of certain candidates from the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), new admission cut-off marks, and revised policies aimed at expanding access to tertiary education in Nigeria.
The announcements were made during the 2026 JAMB Policy Meeting on Admissions held in Abuja, where education stakeholders, vice chancellors, rectors, provosts, and government officials gathered to discuss the future of admissions into tertiary institutions.
Among the most talked-about decisions is the Federal Government’s move to exempt candidates seeking admission into Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) programmes and some agriculture-related courses from writing the UTME.
The latest developments have generated nationwide reactions as students, parents, and institutions try to understand what the reforms mean for future admissions.
UTME Scrapped for NCE Candidates
The Federal Government announced that candidates seeking admission into Colleges of Education for NCE programmes will no longer be required to sit for the UTME.
Speaking at the policy meeting, Nigeria’s Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, explained that candidates with at least four credit passes in relevant subjects can now apply directly for NCE programmes without taking the examination.
However, such candidates must still register with JAMB for screening, verification, and processing through the Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS).
According to the minister, the policy is designed to improve access to teacher education and encourage more Nigerians to pursue careers in the education sector.
He noted that many Colleges of Education have unused admission capacity, especially in local communities where affordability and accessibility make the institutions attractive to students.
Agriculture Candidates Also Exempted From UTME
In another major policy shift, candidates applying for National Diploma programmes in non-technology agricultural and agriculture-related courses have also been exempted from writing the UTME.
The government said the move is aimed at boosting enrolment in agriculture-related disciplines considered critical to national development and food security.
Education experts say the decision could help address declining interest in agricultural education while reducing the pressure associated with UTME examinations.
JAMB Sets 150 Cut-Off Mark for Universities
During the meeting, stakeholders approved 150 as the minimum cut-off mark for university admissions for the 2026 academic session.
Meanwhile, polytechnics and monotechnics will admit candidates with a minimum score of 100, while Colleges of Nursing Sciences will use 150 as their benchmark.
The decision was reached after consultations between JAMB officials, institutional heads, and education regulators.
The announcement means universities can still adopt higher cut-off marks based on their competitiveness and admission requirements, but no institution is expected to admit candidates below the approved national minimum benchmark.
New Admission Deadlines Announced
JAMB also approved deadlines for the completion of admissions across tertiary institutions.
According to the policy:
- Public universities must complete admissions by October 31, 2026.
- Private universities have until November 30, 2026.
- Polytechnics, monotechnics, and Colleges of Education must conclude admissions by December 31, 2026.
The move is expected to improve coordination within the admission system and reduce delays affecting academic calendars.
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LASU Emerges Most Preferred University Again
Lagos State University retained its position as Nigeria’s most preferred university, according to JAMB statistics released during the meeting.
The institution recorded 84,326 first-choice applications for the 2026 admission cycle, ahead of University of Lagos with 78,240 applications and Obafemi Awolowo University with 60,370 applications.
The figures highlight LASU’s growing popularity among admission seekers due to its academic reputation, infrastructure development, and affordability.
JAMB Warns Against Illegal Admissions
JAMB Registrar Ishaq Oloyede also used the meeting to caution institutions against illegal admissions outside the CAPS platform.
He urged tertiary institutions to maintain transparency, fairness, and merit during the admission process while protecting the integrity of Nigeria’s higher education system.
Oloyede warned that admissions conducted outside JAMB’s official framework would be considered invalid.
Why the 2026 JAMB Reforms Matter
The latest reforms represent one of the biggest changes to Nigeria’s admission system in recent years.
Analysts believe exempting NCE and agriculture candidates from UTME could widen educational access, reduce examination pressure, and encourage enrolment in sectors considered important for national growth.
The changes are also expected to reshape how students approach admissions into Colleges of Education and agriculture-related programmes.
For many candidates, the reforms could offer an easier and more affordable pathway into tertiary education while preserving institutional screening and verification standards through CAPS.
FAQ
Has JAMB scrapped UTME for NCE candidates?
Yes. The Federal Government announced that candidates seeking admission into Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) programmes will no longer be required to write the UTME starting from the 2026/2027 admission cycle.
Who is exempted from UTME in 2026?
Candidates applying for NCE programmes and National Diploma courses in non-technology agricultural and agriculture-related fields are now exempted from sitting for UTME.
Can candidates gain admission without writing JAMB?
Eligible NCE and agriculture candidates can gain admission without writing UTME, but they must still register with JAMB for screening and admission processing through CAPS.
What is the new JAMB cut-off mark for universities in 2026?
JAMB approved 150 as the minimum cut-off mark for university admissions for the 2026 academic session.
What is the cut-off mark for polytechnics and monotechnics?
Polytechnics and monotechnics will admit candidates with a minimum score of 100 for the 2026 admission cycle.
What is the cut-off mark for Colleges of Nursing Sciences?
Colleges of Nursing Sciences will admit candidates with a minimum score of 150.
Why did the government exempt NCE candidates from UTME?
The government said the policy aims to expand access to teacher education, reduce barriers to admission, and encourage more students to pursue teaching careers.
What is CAPS in JAMB?
CAPS stands for Central Admissions Processing System. It is JAMB’s official platform for screening, verifying, and processing admissions into tertiary institutions.
Which university had the highest number of applicants in 2026?
Lagos State University emerged as the most preferred university with 84,326 first-choice applications.
When will 2026 admissions end in Nigeria?
Public universities are expected to conclude admissions by October 31, 2026, private universities by November 30, and polytechnics and Colleges of Education by December 31, 2026.
Did JAMB warn institutions against illegal admissions?
Yes. JAMB Registrar Ishaq Oloyede warned institutions against conducting admissions outside the CAPS system, stressing that such admissions are illegal.
Why are the 2026 JAMB reforms important?
The reforms are important because they widen access to education, reduce UTME pressure for some candidates, encourage teacher education and agriculture programmes, and improve admission coordination nationwide.