Kaduna NUT opposes plan to exempt NCE candidates from JAMB

The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Kaduna State chapter, has opposed the Federal Government’s decision to exempt candidates seeking admission into Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) programmes from writing the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) examination.

 

The union backed the position of its National Executive Council, urging the Federal Ministry of Education and the Federal Government to reverse the policy in the interest of national development.

 

In a joint statement, Kaduna NUT Chairman, Ibrahim Dalhatu, and Secretary, Adamu Ayuba Kaltungo, described the move as counterproductive, warning that it could weaken the quality of teacher education and lower educational standards in the country.

 

The union stressed that teaching remains a highly intellectual and strategic profession that requires rigorous and competitive training processes.

 

According to the statement, exempting candidates from writing JAMB could create the impression that teaching is reserved for academically weak students.

 

“Excluding candidates from taking the examination will imply that the profession is for academically weak candidates and ‘all comers’,” the statement said.

 

The union argued that the teaching profession already struggles with low public perception and that the proposed policy could further reinforce the belief that teaching is a “last resort” profession.

 

It added that countries with strong education systems recruit teachers from among top-performing students rather than lowering entry standards.

 

The union also warned that the policy could undermine ongoing reforms by the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria aimed at restoring dignity and professionalism to teaching.

 

Rather than removing JAMB requirements for Colleges of Education candidates, the NUT urged the Federal Government to improve teachers’ welfare and remuneration to attract talented candidates into the profession.

 

The union also recommended scholarships, bursaries and admission incentives for education students without compromising academic standards.

 

It further called for the full implementation of the law signed by former President Muhammadu Buhari on April 9, 2022, saying it would better address challenges facing teacher education in the country.