The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT), Kaduna State chapter, has rejected the Federal Government’s plan to remove candidates seeking admission into Colleges of Education from writing the examination conducted by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).
The union backed the position of its National Executive Council, urging the Federal Government and the Ministry of Education to reverse the decision in the interest of maintaining quality in Nigeria’s education system.
In a joint statement issued by the Kaduna State NUT chairman, Ibrahim Dalhatu, and secretary, Adamu Ayuba Kaltungo, the union warned that exempting Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) candidates from JAMB exams could weaken teacher training and reduce the standard of education nationwide.
The union described teaching as a serious and intellectual profession that requires strict academic standards and proper screening.
It argued that removing JAMB as part of the admission process would send the wrong message that teaching is a low-level profession meant for less qualified candidates.
According to the statement, such a move could further damage the already low public perception of teaching, making it appear as a “last resort” career rather than a respected profession.
The union also stressed that countries with strong education systems only recruit highly capable students into teaching, and Nigeria should not do otherwise.
It warned that the policy would go against ongoing reforms aimed at improving the status of teachers through the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN).
Instead of removing JAMB requirements, the NUT called on the government to focus on improving teachers’ welfare, salaries, and working conditions to attract more talented students into the profession.
The union further suggested scholarships, bursaries, and special incentives for education students, as a better way to encourage interest in teaching without lowering standards.
It also urged the government to fully implement the relevant education law signed in 2022, which it said already provides solutions to some of the concerns being addressed by the new policy.