The Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) has voiced strong opposition to the Federal Government’s recent decision to exempt candidates seeking admission into Colleges of Education from sitting for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
NUT President, Comrade Audu Titus Amba, warned that this policy threatens to further erode professional standards by positioning teaching as a secondary choice rather than a premier career path.
Speaking at the “21st Century Teacher” initiative in Abuja, Amba emphasized that sustainable national development is directly linked to the quality of teacher training.
He argued that developed nations intentionally recruit their highest-performing students into education. In contrast, he noted that Nigeria’s new policy risks turning Colleges of Education into a “last resort” for those unable to secure admission into other fields.
Amba urged the government to reconsider the move, insisting that the recruitment of intelligent, passionate, and competent individuals is the only way to ensure the future of quality education in Nigeria. He stressed that teaching should not be treated as an alternative route for struggling students, but as a profession that attracts the nation’s brightest minds.
In addition to policy concerns, the event highlighted the urgent need for digital transformation within the sector. Organizers and officials from the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN) pointed out that many educators still lack the digital skills required for modern classrooms.
They noted that 19th-century methodologies are insufficient for the 21st century, citing poor infrastructure and inadequate funding as major barriers to progress.
Representatives from the Ministry of Education and the National Assembly also attended, expressing support for initiatives that equip teachers with modern competencies.
They reaffirmed their commitment to legislative policies and partnerships aimed at promoting digital inclusion and ensuring that Nigerian educators can compete on a global scale through virtual learning and modern tools.
