The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced a groundbreaking policy for tertiary education seekers in Nigeria. In a strategic move to reposition critical sectors, JAMB begins registration for NCE and agricultural ND applicants without UTME.
This means candidates seeking admission into Colleges of Education or Agricultural Monotechnics no longer need to write the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). Instead, they can process their admissions directly through a specialized JAMB registration window.
This policy brings massive relief to thousands of students. It also highlights the Federal Government’s commitment to boosting manpower in teaching and agriculture. Below, we break down everything you need to know about this new directive.
Why JAMB Introduced This Exemption
For several years, the education and agricultural sectors faced severe enrollment deficits. Millions of students compete annually for university slots in medicine, law, and engineering. Consequently, Colleges of Education and Colleges of Agriculture struggle to attract enough candidates.
To solve this problem, JAMB designed this targeted exemption policy. By removing the UTME barrier, the board aims to achieve three major goals:
- Boost Teacher Education: Nigeria urgently needs qualified teachers at the basic education level. This policy encourages more youths to pursue the Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE).
- Promote Food Security: Modern agriculture requires technical expertise. Attracting students to National Diploma (ND) programs in agriculture will build a new generation of skilled farmers and agribusiness managers.
- Reduce Admission Pressure: This alternative route reduces the massive pressure on the traditional UTME system. It gives students a clear, stress-free pathway to tertiary education.
Eligibility Criteria for Applicants
You must meet specific academic requirements to qualify for this special registration window. JAMB maintains strict standards to ensure only qualified candidates gain admission.
- O’Level Requirements: You must possess a minimum of five credit passes in your WASSCE, NECO, NABTEB, or equivalent examinations.
- Core Subjects: Your credit passes must strictly include English Language and Mathematics. You must also have relevant science or arts subjects depending on your chosen course.
- Course Restrictions: This exemption applies strictly to NCE programs and Agricultural ND courses. You cannot use this route to study nursing, engineering, or regular university degree programs.
- Approved Institutions: You must select recognized and accredited Colleges of Education or specific Agricultural Monotechnics.
Step-by-Step Registration Guide
Do you want to take advantage of this opportunity? You must follow the official JAMB guidelines carefully. Avoid cybercafes that promise shortcuts. Follow these simple steps to secure your application:
1. Generate Your Profile Code
First, you must create a JAMB profile. Send your National Identification Number (NIN) via SMS to 55019 or 66019. Type the word “NIN”, leave a space, and type your 11-digit number. The JAMB system will immediately generate and send a unique profile code to your phone.
2. Visit an Accredited CBT Center
Do not visit unapproved computer centers. Go directly to any JAMB-accredited Computer-Based Test (CBT) center near you.
3. Declare Your Intent
Inform the CBT registration official about your specific needs. Tell them you want to process the special registration for NCE or Agricultural ND programs without UTME.
4. Submit Your Details
Provide your O’Level results, personal biodata, and your preferred choices of institutions. Ensure you spell your name exactly as it appears on your NIN slip.
5. Complete Biometric Capture
The CBT official will capture your ten fingerprints and your facial photograph. This biometric data prevents impersonation and secures your admission process.
6. Collect Your Registration Slip
After the official completes the process, they will print your registration slip. Collect this slip and keep it safe. It serves as your official proof of registration.
How Institutions Process These Admissions
Once you complete your registration, the processing shifts to your chosen institution.
Colleges of Education and Agricultural Monotechnics will access your details through the JAMB Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS). The schools will screen your O’Level results to ensure you meet their departmental requirements.
If you qualify, the institution will propose you for admission on CAPS. JAMB will then review and approve the admission. Finally, you will receive a notification to accept the admission and print your official JAMB Admission Letter.
Official Breakdown of JAMB Registration Fees
To protect candidates from extortion by illegal cybercafes and fraudulent agents, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) maintains a transparent and strictly regulated financial structure. Budgeting accurately ensures you do not overspend or fall victim to middlemen claiming to offer “special processing.”
Unlike the standard UTME registration, which includes mandatory reading texts and mock examination fees, the registration for NCE and agricultural ND applicants follows a streamlined pricing structure.
Here is the official itemized breakdown of the registration expenses:
| Expense Item | Approved Cost | Description & Purpose |
| JAMB Application E-PIN | ₦3,500 | Baseline statutory fee paid directly into the Federal Government Treasury Single Account (TSA) via Remita for the admission slot. |
| CBT Centre Service Charge | ₦700 | The official, regulated service charge paid to the accredited CBT center for biometric capture, data entry, and printing of your registration slip. |
| Bank / Processing Charge | ₦300 | Standard electronic transaction and payment gateway processing fees charged by participating banks or mobile money operators. |
| Total Regulated Cost | ₦4,500 | The maximum total amount an applicant should budget to complete the entire registration process. |
Critical Financial Rules and Anti-Extortion Guidelines
When heading out to purchase your E-PIN and complete your registration, you must keep the following financial regulations in mind:
- No Extra Cash at CBT Centers: JAMB strictly prohibits accredited CBT centers from demanding any additional cash payment above the approved ₦700 service charge. If a center demands extra money for “biometric clearing” or “portal access,” report them immediately to the nearest JAMB state office.
- Cashless Policy Enforcement: Most accredited centers and banks operate a strict cashless policy. Prepare to make your payments using an ATM debit card, USSD transfer, or mobile banking app directly at the point of registration.
- Non-Refundable Fee: Once you generate your E-PIN and complete the payment through the government portal, the money is entirely non-refundable. Ensure your O’Level results are complete and that your chosen College of Education or Agricultural Monotechnic offers your desired course before initiating the payment.
Important Warnings for All Applicants
As JAMB begins registration for NCE and agricultural ND applicants without UTME, fraudsters will likely try to exploit unsuspecting students. Protect yourself by observing these safety measures:
- Avoid Extortion: JAMB clearly states the official registration fees. Do not pay exorbitant amounts to middlemen or “admission agents.”
- Use Only CAPS: JAMB handles all legitimate admissions exclusively through CAPS. Do not accept any admission letter printed outside the official JAMB portal.
- Secure Your Login Details: Never share your JAMB profile code, email address, or password with strangers.
Final Thoughts
This new policy represents a golden opportunity for secondary school leavers. If you have a passion for teaching or agribusiness, you no longer need to wait for the annual UTME rush. Gather your O’Level results, generate your profile code, and visit an accredited CBT center today. By taking this bold step, you position yourself for a rewarding career in two of Nigeria’s most vital economic sectors.
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