The Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) has expressed concern over the Federal Government’s recent decision to grant a UTME waiver for candidates seeking admission into Colleges of Education, warning that the policy could weaken academic standards in the education sector.
The NUT National President, Mr. Titus Amba, made the position known on Thursday in Abuja during a press briefing on national education policy developments.
Recall that the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, recently announced that candidates applying for the Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) programme would no longer be required to sit for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). Instead, applicants with at least four credit passes in their O’Level examinations would undergo direct screening, although registration with JAMB would still be compulsory.
Reacting to the policy, Amba argued that Colleges of Education should admit only highly capable students in order to maintain quality teacher training and improve learning outcomes across the education system.
He stressed that the foundation of any strong educational system lies in the quality of teachers, noting that weakening admission standards could have long-term consequences.
“Education, especially at the primary and secondary levels, is the bedrock of every profession. If we fail at that foundation, we fail at every other level of education in the country,” he said.
Amba further cautioned that removing key academic screening mechanisms could undermine ongoing efforts to improve standards in teacher education institutions.
He maintained that rather than introducing waivers, government should focus on making the teaching profession more attractive through improved incentives, welfare packages, and better working conditions.
According to him, teachers across the country have continued to advocate for improved welfare without significant progress from authorities.
He referenced global examples such as Sweden and Finland, noting that their strong education systems were built on sustained investment in teacher welfare, remuneration, and professional development.
“These countries have invested heavily in education, particularly in teachers’ welfare and working conditions,” he said.
Amba added that Nigeria could achieve similar results if it prioritises basic education and commits to long-term teacher development reforms.
He also recalled earlier promises made in 2020 by former President Muhammadu Buhari, including improved incentives and a special salary structure for teachers, noting that many of those commitments remain unfulfilled.
The NUT president criticised what he described as inconsistent education policies across successive administrations, saying most reform promises have not been fully implemented.
He insisted that strengthening teachers’ welfare, rather than easing admission requirements, remains the most effective way to attract quality candidates into the teaching profession. (NAN)
