By Wellington Jopelo
The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has openly challenged the Federal Government’s new decision to exempt candidates seeking admission into Colleges of Education from writing the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
The union described the policy as a dangerous move that could weaken the quality and professionalism of teaching in Nigeria.
The controversy started after the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, announced that candidates applying for NCE programmes and some agriculture-related courses would no longer need to sit for UTME before gaining admission.
Government officials said the policy was introduced to increase access to tertiary education, reduce admission pressure, and encourage more young Nigerians to study education and agriculture-related courses.
But the NUT believes the decision sends the wrong message about the teaching profession.
Speaking in Abuja, NUT President Audu Titus Amba warned that teaching should not become a “last option” for students who could not secure admission into other competitive courses.
He argued that lowering entry requirements could further damage standards in the education sector at a time when Nigeria is already battling declining quality in schools and teacher preparation.
According to him, important decisions affecting teacher training should not be taken without proper consultation with teachers and education stakeholders.
Amba also lamented the collapse of the old teacher training system, saying many people now enter classrooms without proper professional grounding and teaching practice.
The union insisted that countries with strong education systems invest heavily in teachers and maintain strict standards instead of making entry easier.
Despite the criticism, the Federal Government has defended the policy, insisting that affected candidates will still be screened and verified through JAMB’s Central Admissions Processing System before admission is approved.
Education analysts say the disagreement highlights the growing debate over how Nigeria can increase access to education without sacrificing quality and professionalism in the teaching sector.
As reactions continue nationwide, attention is now focused on whether the government will review the policy or push ahead despite opposition from the teachers’ union.