The Nigeria Union of Teachers has opposed the Federal Government’s decision to exempt candidates seeking admission into the Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) programme from writing the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), warning that the move could weaken standards in teacher education.
The National President of the union, Audu Amba, stated this during a sensitisation workshop for teachers held in Abuja in collaboration with 21st Century and the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria.
Amba expressed concern over the declining quality of candidates seeking admission into colleges of education, noting that many high-performing students now prefer universities, leaving colleges of education as alternative options for unsuccessful candidates.
He warned that the trend could negatively affect the future quality of teaching in Nigeria, insisting that the teaching profession should attract some of the country’s best academic talents.
According to him, colleges of education should not be treated as last-resort institutions for students unable to secure university admission.
He argued that candidates seeking admission into colleges of education should rank among the highest-scoring students in the UTME, stressing that strong academic standards are necessary to improve the teaching profession.
The Registrar of the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria, Ronke Soyombo, also stressed the need to reposition teachers for the demands of a rapidly changing digital economy.
She said Nigeria’s education sector requires teachers who are technologically skilled, innovative, professionally competent, and capable of equipping students with modern-day skills.
The Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, represented by Iyabo Ali, called for continuous capacity development for teachers, urging educators to consistently improve their digital and innovative skills to meet global standards.
Other stakeholders at the event, including the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Tajudeen Abbas, represented by Mary Aba, and Senate Minority Leader, Abba Moro, highlighted the importance of stronger collaboration and professionalism in the education sector.
Senator Moro also raised concerns about the poor condition of schools across the country, warning that more than 70 percent of Nigerian schools lack adequate teaching and learning facilities.
He cautioned that the growing disconnect between teachers and their working environment poses a serious threat to the future of Nigeria’s education system.
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