The Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) has urged the Federal Government to reject calls for a UTME waiver for NCE candidates, warning that such a move could erode educational standards.
NUT National President, Mr Titus Amba, addressed this issue at a press conference on Thursday in Abuja.
This followed the announcement by Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, that NCE applicants would no longer sit for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination.
He explained that, under the new plan, candidates with at least 4 O-Level credits will undergo direct screening; however, JAMB will still require them to register.
Continuing his remarks, Amba argued that, to ensure high-quality teacher training and improved learning outcomes, colleges of education should admit only the most capable students.
“Education, especially at the primary and secondary levels, forms the bedrock of every profession.
“If we fail at that foundation, we fail at every other level of education in the country,” he said.
He warned that removing key testing points could, consequently, undermine efforts to raise academic standards in teacher training institutions.
Therefore, he suggested that, rather than granting waivers, the government should make teaching more attractive by improving incentives and welfare packages.
“We have been advocating for better working conditions and welfare for Nigerian teachers, yet little progress has been made,” he said.
Amba stressed that countries like Sweden and Finland prioritise teacher welfare and pay, which strengthens their education systems.
“They have invested heavily in education, particularly in teachers’ welfare and working conditions,” he explained.
Drawing from international examples, Amba asserted that Nigeria could achieve similar success if, as in those countries, it prioritised basic education and teacher development.
Amba also recalled unfulfilled 2020 promises by former President Muhammadu Buhari, including improved incentives and a special salary structure for teachers.
“Go to the field and visit colleges of education, such as the one in Zuba, to see what has been implemented,” he said.
He further criticised policy inconsistency across administrations, noting that most governments have not fully realised promised reforms.
The NUT president insisted that improving teachers’ welfare, not admission waivers, remained key to attracting quality candidates into the profession.