The President of the Nigeria Union of Teachers, Audu Titus Amba, has faulted the decision of the Federal Government to exempt candidates seeking admission into Nigerian Certificate in Education (NCE) programmes from sitting the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), warning that such a policy could further weaken standards in the teaching profession.

Minister of Education, Dr Olatunji Alausa, had announced the waiver during the 2026 admission policy meeting organised by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), stating that candidates seeking admission into Colleges of Education for NCE programmes, as well as some National Diploma agricultural programmes, would no longer be required to sit the UTME.

According to him, the policy aims to remove admission bottlenecks, expand access to tertiary education, reduce the number of out-of-school youths, and increase enrolment in teacher education and agricultural manpower development.

However, speaking on Tuesday in Abuja at the 21st Century Teacher Initiative, the NUT President said the union was taken aback by the decision, stressing that critical education policies affecting teacher production should involve major stakeholders, including teachers’ unions.

According to him, the waiver sends the wrong signal about the seriousness attached to the teaching profession.

He argued that teaching should not become a profession of last resort for candidates unable to secure admission into other courses, insisting that teacher education should maintain rigorous entry standards capable of producing competent professionals.

Amba, who described himself as a product of the old teachers’ training system, lamented the collapse of teacher training colleges and the gradual erosion of professional standards in teacher preparation.

He said unlike in the past, when prospective teachers underwent structured training and teaching practice before entering the classroom, many graduates today drift into teaching without formal pedagogical grounding.

“Teaching should not be treated as an option for those who could not gain admission elsewhere. The best minds should be encouraged to become teachers because education remains the foundation of national development,” he said.

The NUT president also blamed the declining appeal of the profession on poor welfare, inadequate incentives, and weak policy support, noting that countries with strong education systems deliberately invest in teachers and make the profession attractive.

He cited Finland as an example where teachers enjoy high social status and competitive remuneration, making teaching a preferred career choice.

Also speaking at the event, education advocate and organiser of the 21st Century Teacher Initiative, Ayodeji Ogunjobi, said the programme was conceived after discovering that many teachers lack the digital skills needed for effective classroom delivery in today’s learning environment.

He stressed that digital literacy is no longer optional for educators, adding that teachers across Nigeria’s 774 local government areas must be equipped with relevant technological skills to remain globally competitive.

Representing the Minister of Education at the event, Iyabo Ali described the initiative as timely and strategic, noting that the ministry remains committed to equipping teachers with 21st-century competencies.

Registrar of the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria, Funke Soyombo, warned that outdated teaching methods can no longer meet the demands of modern education, urging teachers to embrace technology-driven learning approaches.

The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt Hon. Tajudeen Abbas, who was represented by Abisoye Da Rocha-Afodu, reaffirmed the commitment of the National Assembly to policies and partnerships that promote educational advancement, digital inclusion, and improved access to quality education across Nigeria.

Nigerian Tribune)