JAMB UTME Exemption: Education and Agriculture Admission Guide

JAMB's 2026 policy bulletin introduced an important admission route for candidates interested in Nigeria Certificate in Education programmes and non-technological Agriculture programmes. The route does not remove JAMB from the process. It changes what some candidates need to do after registration.

Who the UTME Exemption Covers

The policy applies to candidates seeking admission into:

• Nigeria Certificate in Education programmes in Colleges of Education.
• Non-technological Agriculture programmes in relevant colleges of agriculture.

It does not automatically cover university degree courses, nursing programmes, engineering, technology programmes, medicine, pharmacy, law or other competitive professional courses.

What Candidates Still Must Do

According to the JAMB bulletin of May 18, 2026, affected candidates are still expected to register with JAMB. Their credentials must be screened, verified and certified, and admission letters must still be issued through CAPS.

• Register with JAMB: do not bypass the official admission system.
• Confirm the programme type: make sure the course is NCE or non-technological Agriculture.
• Prepare O'Level documents: schools will still check subject requirements and results.
• Track CAPS: admission processing still goes through JAMB's Central Admissions Processing System.

Why This Matters

The policy is meant to widen access in areas where institutions have available capacity, especially teacher education and agricultural training. It can help candidates who want practical entry routes, but it should not be treated as admission without verification.

How to Check Your Eligibility

1. Use JAMB IBASS to check the programme and subject requirements.
2. Confirm the admission notice on the institution's official website or portal.
3. Use JAMB e-Facility for candidate services and CAPS access.
4. Keep copies of your O'Level result, birth certificate, state or local government identification, and any school-specific documents.

Mistakes to Avoid

• Do not assume every Agriculture course is exempt. Technology-heavy or engineering-related programmes may follow a different route.
• Do not pay agents who promise admission outside CAPS.
• Do not ignore O'Level subject combinations. A wrong subject combination can still block admission.
• Do not use unofficial portals for registration or payment.

Students who are unsure should ask the institution's admissions office to confirm the exact route before paying any screening or acceptance fee.