Nigeria Union of Teachers rejects federal government's proposal to exempt NCE candidates from the UTME.

The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has rejected the Federal Government’s proposal to exempt candidates applying for the Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) programme from taking the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). The union warned that such a policy could further erode standards in teacher education.

National President Audu Amba voiced the union’s stance on Tuesday in Abuja during a teachers’ sensitisation workshop organised by 21st Century in partnership with the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN).

Amba expressed concern over a perceived decline in the quality of applicants entering colleges of education, noting that many high‑performing students now prefer universities, leaving teacher‑training colleges as a secondary option.

He cautioned that this trend threatens the long‑term quality of teaching in Nigeria and argued that entry into the teaching profession should attract some of the nation’s strongest academic performers.

According to Amba, colleges of education should not be regarded as fallback choices for candidates who do not secure university places.

“Why can’t we now say that anyone going to College of Education to become a teacher tomorrow must be among the highest‑scoring candidates in UTME?” he asked.

“Colleges of Education are supposed to have the best candidates, but unfortunately, when people fail to secure university admission, they are told to go and manage NCE,” he added.

In her keynote address, TRCN Registrar Dr Ronke Soyombo emphasized the urgent need to reposition teachers for the demands of a rapidly evolving digital economy.

She highlighted that the future of education in Nigeria depends on educators who are technologically proficient, innovative, professionally competent, and capable of equipping learners with contemporary skills.

Minister of Education Dr Tunji Alausa, represented by Dr Iyabo Ali, called for continuous capacity development for teachers, stating that educators must regularly upgrade their digital and innovative abilities to meet global standards.

Other participants, including the Speaker of the House of Representatives Tajudeen Abbas, represented by Dr Mary Aba, and Senate Minority Leader Senator Abba Moro, stressed the importance of stronger collaboration and professional commitment within the education sector.

Senator Moro also raised concerns about the deteriorating condition of Nigeria’s education system, warning that more than 70 percent of schools lack adequate learning and teaching facilities.

He cautioned that the widening gap between teachers and their working environment could pose a serious threat to the country’s educational foundation and future development.