The President of the Nigeria Union of Teachers, Audu Titus Amba, has criticised the Federal Government’s decision to exempt candidates seeking admission into Nigerian Certificate in Education (NCE) programmes from sitting for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
He warned that the policy could further weaken standards within the teaching profession and reduce the quality of teacher education in Nigeria.
Minister of Education, Olatunji Alausa, had earlier announced during the 2026 admission policy meeting organised by Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board that candidates applying for NCE programmes in Colleges of Education, as well as some National Diploma agricultural programmes, would no longer be required to write the UTME.
According to the minister, the policy was introduced to eliminate admission barriers, improve access to tertiary education, reduce the number of out-of-school youths, and encourage enrolment into teacher education and agricultural programmes.
Reacting to the development on Tuesday in Abuja during the 21st Century Teacher Initiative, Amba said the union was surprised by the decision, stressing that major education policies affecting teacher training should involve critical stakeholders, especially teachers’ unions.
He argued that removing the UTME requirement sends the wrong message about the value and seriousness of the teaching profession.
According to him, teaching should not become an alternative option for candidates unable to gain admission into other fields of study. He maintained that teacher education should retain strict admission standards capable of producing highly skilled and competent educators.
Amba, who described himself as a beneficiary of the former teachers’ training college system, expressed concern over the collapse of structured teacher training institutions and the gradual decline in professional standards in teacher preparation.
He noted that unlike in the past, where intending teachers underwent intensive pedagogical training and classroom practice before becoming educators, many people now enter the profession without proper teaching background or professional preparation.
The NUT president added that the declining attractiveness of the teaching profession is largely linked to poor welfare packages, inadequate incentives, and weak government support.
He explained that countries with strong educational systems deliberately invest heavily in teachers and make the profession attractive through better remuneration and social recognition. He cited Finland as an example where teaching is highly respected and considered a preferred career path.
Also speaking at the event, education advocate and organiser of the 21st Century Teacher Initiative, Ayodeji Ogunjobi, said the programme was created after discovering that many teachers lack the digital skills necessary for effective teaching in today’s technology-driven classrooms.
He stressed that digital literacy has become essential for educators and called for teachers across Nigeria’s 774 local government areas to be equipped with modern technological skills to remain globally competitive.
Representing the Minister of Education at the programme, Iyabo Ali described the initiative as timely and strategic, noting that the ministry remains committed to helping teachers develop relevant 21st-century skills.
Registrar of the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria, Funke Soyombo, also warned that outdated teaching methods can no longer meet the demands of modern education, urging teachers to embrace technology-based learning methods.
Meanwhile, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, represented by Abisoye Da Rocha-Afodu, reaffirmed the National Assembly’s commitment to policies and partnerships aimed at improving education, promoting digital inclusion, and expanding access to quality learning opportunities across Nigeria.
