NEWS
JAMB Introduces UTME-Free Admission Opportunity for Education and Agriculture Courses as Nigeria Pushes to Strengthen Key Sectors
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced that candidates seeking admission into several Education and Agriculture-related programmes in Nigerian tertiary institutions may no longer be required to sit for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
The development is seen as part of ongoing efforts to encourage more students to embrace courses considered critical to national development, especially in the education and agricultural sectors.
According to the update, prospective candidates interested in a wide range of Education and Agriculture courses can now explore admission opportunities without necessarily writing the UTME examination, creating a fresh pathway for thousands of students across the country.
The initiative is expected to boost enrollment into teacher education programmes and agricultural disciplines, areas many experts have described as vital to Nigeria’s economic growth, food security, manpower development, and educational advancement.
Under the Education category, the UTME-free admission opportunity covers courses such as Adult Education, Business Education, Early Childhood Education, Education and Biology, Education and Chemistry, Education and Economics, Education and English, Education and Geography, Education and Government, Education and History, Education and Islamic Studies, Education and Mathematics, Education and Physics, Education and Political Science, and Education and Social Studies.
Other programmes listed include Educational Management, Guidance and Counselling, Health Education, Human Kinetics, Primary Education Studies, Special Education, and Technical Education.
Similarly, several Agriculture-related programmes were also captured under the arrangement. These include Agriculture, Agricultural Economics, Agricultural Extension, Animal Science, Crop Science, Fisheries, Forestry, Soil Science, Agronomy, Horticulture, Plant Science, Animal Production, Fisheries and Aquaculture, as well as Forestry and Wildlife Management.
The announcement has already generated widespread reactions among students and parents, with many describing it as a major relief amid increasing concerns over examination pressure and limited admission opportunities.
Stakeholders in the education sector believe the move could help address the shortage of professional teachers in schools while also attracting more young Nigerians into agriculture and food production-related careers.
Observers further noted that the policy may open doors for candidates who are passionate about these fields but face challenges securing competitive UTME scores every year.
With Nigeria continuing to battle unemployment, food insecurity, and gaps in educational development, analysts say the decision could serve as a strategic step toward building a stronger workforce in sectors essential to national progress.