The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has rejected the Federal Government’s decision to exempt candidates seeking admission into the Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) programme from sitting for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), warning that the move could further lower standards in the teaching profession.
Speaking at a teachers’ sensitisation workshop organised by 21st Century in partnership with the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN) in Abuja, NUT President, Audu Amba, expressed concern over the declining quality of students enrolling in colleges of education.
Amba said many outstanding students now prefer universities and other tertiary institutions, while NCE programmes are increasingly becoming alternatives for candidates who fail to secure admission elsewhere.
He described the development as a major threat to the future of education in Nigeria, insisting that teacher education should attract some of the country’s best-performing students.
According to him, colleges of education should admit candidates with strong UTME results instead of serving as a second option for unsuccessful applicants.
He said, “Those going into colleges of education to become teachers should be among the highest-scoring UTME candidates. Colleges of education are expected to attract the best students, but sadly, many people only consider NCE after failing to gain admission into universities.”
In her keynote address, the Registrar of TRCN, Dr Ronke Soyombo, stressed the importance of preparing teachers for the demands of a rapidly changing digital economy.
She noted that Nigeria’s education system would depend heavily on teachers who are technologically skilled, innovative, professionally competent, and capable of equipping students with modern-day knowledge and skills.
Also speaking at the event, the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, represented by Dr Iyabo Ali, called for continuous training and capacity development for teachers to help them meet global educational standards.
Other stakeholders, including Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, represented by Dr Mary Aba, and Senate Minority Leader, Senator Abba Moro, urged stronger collaboration and commitment to professionalism within the education sector.
Senator Moro also expressed concern over the poor condition of schools nationwide, stating that more than 70 per cent of schools in Nigeria lack a conducive environment for teaching and learning.
He warned that the widening gap between teachers and their working conditions could endanger the country’s educational system and long-term national development.
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