By Modupe Gbadeyanka

Candidates seeking to gain admission into Colleges of Education in Nigeria will no longer need to write the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) organised by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).

This information was disclosed by the Minister of Education, Mr Tunji Alausa, during an annual admission policy meeting of JAMB in Abuja on Monday.

He revealed that the new policy would become effective in the 2026.2027 admission cycle, stating that it was to make tertiary education admission easier for would-be teachers in the country.

The Minister also said candidates seeking admission to agriculture programmes outside engineering disciplines would not be required to sit for UTME, though they must register with JAMB.

“Candidates seeking admission into Education Programs and Agriculture non-Engineering Courses are now exempted from UTME,” he declared.

However, they are mandated to have at least four credit passes in relevant subjects in the Senior Secondary School Examination (SSCE) conducted by either the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) or the National Examinations Council (NECO), he stated.

Mr Alausa noted that after these academic credentials are screened, verified and certified, the admission letters would be issued through the Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS), in line with existing regulations.

By Timi Olubiyi, PhD

The gap between what many universities teach and what the real world currently demands is widening daily, particularly in Nigeria. Truly, the university education system is gradually losing alignment with the realities of today’s expectations. While industries across the world are rapidly evolving through Artificial Intelligence (AI), automation, and digital transformation, many universities still operate with outdated curricula designed many decades ago and without strong connections to current economic realities. Across industries today, employers increasingly seek graduates with digital competence, problem-solving ability, adaptability, creativity, communication skills, and technological literacy. Unfortunately, many higher institutions still emphasise theoretical memorisation rather than practical competence and future readiness. This growing disconnect partly explains why graduate unemployment and unemployability remain serious national concerns despite thousands of graduates entering the labour market every year.

Artificial Intelligence is no longer a futuristic concept; it is already transforming banking, healthcare, media, agriculture, education, law, manufacturing, logistics, finance, and public administration. More so, intelligent systems can now automate repetitive tasks, analyse large volumes of data, generate reports, support decision-making, and improve operational efficiency faster than humans in many instances. In fact, I was recently in a bank to request an ATM card and was attended to by a machine and the card was issued without human contact or need. This reality has profound implications for jobs, skills, productivity, and the future of higher education globally. Recently, the Managing Director of a company in Nigeria reportedly disclosed publicly that over 500 vacancies existed within the organisation, yet the company struggled to find suitably qualified Nigerians for the available roles. That statement may sound alarming, but it reflects a growing structural problem that should concern policymakers, universities, parents, and students alike. The issue is not a lack of intelligence or potential among Nigerian youths. Nigerian youths remain among the most resilient, innovative, and entrepreneurial globally. The real problem is that many educational institutions are still preparing students for yesterday’s economy instead of tomorrow’s economy.

Globally, universities are aggressively redesigning their curricula to align with emerging realities. New programmes in Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, Data Science, Cybersecurity, Automation, Renewable Energy Technology, Machine Learning, Biotechnology, and Digital Systems are rapidly expanding because nations understand that future economic competitiveness will depend heavily on technological capability, innovation, and human capital development. Nigeria cannot afford to lag behind in this global transition. The National Universities Commission (NUC), policymakers, university administrators, and other stakeholders must urgently recognise the implications of AI on higher education and labour markets. Curriculum redesign should no longer be treated as a routine academic exercise but as an urgent national economic priority. One important conversation Nigeria must begin to have honestly is whether some university programmes in their current structures can remain economically competitive in the future. This conversation may be uncomfortable, but avoiding it will not solve the problem. The world is changing rapidly, and universities must evolve accordingly.

Traditional disciplines such as History, Philosophy, Sociology, and related fields remain important for national identity, ethics, critical thinking, and cultural preservation. However, these disciplines may require modernisation and stronger integration with digital and employability skills. For example, History students today should also be exposed to digital archiving, strategic communication, international relations, policy analysis, data interpretation, media intelligence, and AI-assisted research methods. The issue is not necessarily the existence of the discipline itself, but whether graduates possess transferable skills that remain valuable in a modern economy. Importantly, AI literacy should now become compulsory across all university disciplines regardless of specialisation. Whether a student studies medicine, law, accounting, engineering, agriculture, communication, philosophy, or education, a foundational understanding of AI systems, digital tools, cybersecurity awareness, technology ethics, and data analysis is increasingly becoming essential.

The future workplace will reward people who can effectively work with technology, not those who ignore it. AI literacy is gradually becoming as important as computer literacy was years ago. Universities must therefore prepare students to adapt, collaborate with intelligent systems, and solve emerging problems creatively. Another major issue is faculty development. Curriculum reform alone may achieve little if lecturers themselves are not adequately prepared for the realities of modern education. Many academic staff members require continuous learning, digital retraining, and professional development to effectively teach contemporary skills and emerging technologies. The reality is simple: lecturers can only effectively teach what they sufficiently understand. In the AI era, educators must also embrace unlearning, relearning, and continuous improvement. Teaching methods designed decades ago may no longer prepare students adequately for a highly digital and innovation-driven economy. Faculty development programmes should therefore become continuous and mandatory within Nigerian universities.

Beyond curriculum and faculty reform, universities must strengthen industry collaboration and practical learning. Students should graduate with exposure to internships, digital projects, innovation hubs, entrepreneurial development, and real workplace experiences. Entrepreneurship education should move beyond writing theoretical business plans merely to pass examinations. Students should instead be encouraged to solve real societal problems and develop practical solutions. Stronger collaboration between academia, government, and the private sector is essential if Nigerian graduates are to become globally competitive. The long-term danger is that Nigeria may continue producing graduates who are academically qualified but economically unprepared. This weakens productivity, discourages investment, increases unemployment, and limits national competitiveness in a technology-driven global economy. The time to act is now. Artificial Intelligence is evolving faster than many institutions anticipated, and its impact on education and employment will continue to deepen. Universities that fail to modernise risk producing graduates who may struggle to remain relevant in future labour markets. The future belongs to nations that equip their young people with adaptable skills, technological competence, creativity, and innovation capacity. Nigerian universities must therefore evolve quickly enough to meet the demands of the AI era before the gap between education and economic reality becomes even wider. Good luck!

How may you obtain advice or further information on the article? 

Dr Timi Olubiyi is an expert in Entrepreneurship and Business Management, holding a PhD in Business Administration from Babcock University in Nigeria. He is a prolific investment coach, author, columnist, and seasoned scholar. Additionally, he is a Chartered Member of the Chartered Institute for Securities and Investment (CISI) and a registered capital market operator with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). He can be reached through his Twitter handle @drtimiolubiyi and via email at [email protected] for any questions, feedback, or comments. The opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author, Dr Timi Olubiyi, and do not necessarily reflect the views of others.

For Nigerian students, managing the initial tuition deposit is one of the most important parts of preparing for a UK student visa application. While many universities have increased their deposit requirements for the 2026 academic year, the institutions listed below are known for either lower entry deposits or flexible payment arrangements. If you are planning to study in the UK and want to manage your upfront costs carefully, this guide is for you.

1. Edinburgh Napier University

Deposit: £4000 (with a £500 prompt payment discount if you pay in full 30 days before your start date)

Edinburgh Napier is a top-ranked modern university located in Scotland’s capital city, one of the most beautiful and culturally rich cities in Europe. It is particularly popular among Nigerian students for its Business, Creative Industries, and Computing programmes, all of which are delivered with a practical, industry-facing approach. The prompt payment discount is worth noting: paying in full early enough can bring your effective deposit down which is a meaningful saving.

2. Wrexham University

Deposit: £5,000 (always confirm against your specific offer letter)

Wrexham University is located in Wales and offers some of the most affordable tuition fees in the entire UK. It has built a reputation for being a supportive, community-focused institution with practical courses in Engineering and Management that prepare graduates well for the job market. For Nigerian students who want a quality education at a lower overall cost, Wrexham deserves serious consideration.

3. University of Greenwich

Deposit: £3,500 for Nigerian applicants

The University of Greenwich is a historic institution with campuses in London and Kent. It is consistently one of the most popular UK universities among Nigerian applicants, and a large part of that appeal comes down to its relatively low deposit compared to other London-area schools. Greenwich is particularly well regarded for Business and Engineering, and its London campus gives students direct access to one of the world’s greatest cities.

4. Teesside University

Deposit: £4,000

Teesside University is based in Middlesbrough and now also has a London campus, giving students flexibility in where they study. It is highly rated for student satisfaction and has invested heavily in its facilities across Digital Media, Health, and Business. For students who want a modern, well-resourced university experience at a manageable upfront cost, Teesside is a solid pick.

5. Ulster University

Deposit: £4,000 to £6,000 (varies by campus)

Ulster University has a footprint that stretches across Northern Ireland and includes branch campuses in London and Birmingham, giving Nigerian students a rare degree of flexibility in where they choose to study. The university is well known for its high graduate employability rates and its industry-linked Master’s programmes, making it a practical choice for students who are focused on career outcomes from the outset.

6. University of Dundee

Deposit: £5,000 (standard international deposit)

The University of Dundee is a prestigious Scottish institution that consistently ranks at the top for student experience and research quality. It is a recognised leader in Life Sciences, Art, and Design, and its position in Scotland means students benefit from a city that is both affordable and highly liveable. Dundee is an excellent destination for students who want a research-intensive university experience in a comfortable, welcoming environment.

7. University of Winchester

Deposit: £3,000 to £5,000 (refer to your specific offer letter)

The University of Winchester is located in a beautiful, historic city in Hampshire and offers a more personalised, close-knit learning environment than many larger institutions. Winchester is particularly well regarded for Humanities, Education, and Social Sciences, and its smaller campus size means students receive more individual attention from academic staff. For Nigerian students who prefer a quieter, more intimate university experience, Winchester is worth a close look.

8. University of Worcester

Deposit: £3,000 to £4,000

The University of Worcester has built a well-deserved reputation for its commitment to inclusion and sustainability. Its programmes in Education, Nursing, and Sports Science are particularly well regarded, and the university’s values-driven approach to education resonates with many Nigerian students. Worcester is a compact, friendly city with a low cost of living, making the overall financial picture here one of the most manageable on this list.

9. Glasgow Caledonian University (GCU)

Deposit: £3,500

Glasgow Caledonian University, often described as “The University for the Common Good,” sits in the heart of Glasgow and is one of the most popular UK universities among Nigerian applicants. One of the most attractive features at GCU is its £3,000 scholarship that is automatically applied to many postgraduate courses, which can significantly reduce the actual cost of study beyond the deposit itself. Glasgow is also one of the UK’s most affordable major cities, making day-to-day living costs much more manageable than in London.

10. University of Derby

Deposit: Historically £3,000, though some departments may now request £8,000 depending on course risk level. Always confirm the latest 2026 figures with the university directly.

The University of Derby was awarded Gold in the Teaching Excellence Framework, which is one of the highest distinctions a UK university can receive for teaching quality. Derby is particularly well regarded for Hospitality, Tourism, and Engineering, and its student satisfaction scores are consistently impressive. The variation in deposit levels by department is worth clarifying early.

11. University of Bedfordshire

Deposit: 50% to 65% of the first year’s tuition fee

Bedfordshire’s deposit structure is percentage-based instead of a flat figure. However, because the university’s base tuition fees are often lower than many other UK institutions, the actual amount payable remains manageable for many Nigerian families. The university has campuses in Luton and Bedford, both of which are conveniently close to London. Bedfordshire is a practical, career-oriented institution with programmes that appeal to a wide range of students.

Important Notes for  Applicants

Before you apply, there are a few things every Nigerian student should keep in mind.

WAEC/NECO English Waiver: Almost all of the universities on this list will waive the IELTS if you have a C6 or above in English from WAEC or NECO. This saves you both time and money and is a significant advantage for Nigerian applicants.

CAS Issuance: Your Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies (CAS) will only be issued once your deposit has been cleared. The CAS is what you need to apply for your UK student visa, so clearing your deposit promptly is an important part of your timeline.

Proof of Funds: To secure your visa, you must hold the remaining tuition balance and specific living expenses in your account for at least 28 consecutive days. These funds must stay in your bank regardless of your university deposit amount.

If your campus is inside London, you need to show £1,529 per month. For a nine month period, this equals a total of £13,761.

For locations outside London, the monthly requirement is £1,171. This results in a total of £10,539 for the same nine month duration. Organizing these finances well in advance is a vital part of your application.

Studyabroadly: Best Study Abroad Agency in Nigeria

Studyabroadly is a Nigerian study abroad agency with a single focus: helping Nigerian students successfully gain admission to universities abroad. The agency offers a full range of services that cover every stage of the process, from the first conversation to the day you board your flight.

Services Studyabroadly offers include:

University and Course Selection — Consultants work with each student individually to identify the universities and programmes that match their academic background, career goals, and budget.

Application Processing — The agency prepares and submits applications on behalf of students, ensuring that every document meets the university’s exact specifications.

Personal Statement Writing — Studyabroadly’s team crafts compelling personal statements that present each applicant’s story in the most effective way possible.

Scholarship Identification — The agency actively searches for scholarships and funding opportunities that are available to Nigerian students at each institution.

IELTS Waiver Guidance — For students who qualify, Studyabroadly advises on the process of applying for an IELTS waiver using WAEC or NECO results.

CAS and Visa Support — Once an offer is secured, the agency guides students through the deposit payment, CAS application, and the full UK student visa process.

Pre-Departure Advice — From accommodation to what to pack, Studyabroadly prepares students for what to expect when they arrive in the UK.

If you are ready to take the next step toward studying in the UK, reach out to the Studyabroadly team. Hundreds of Nigerian students have already made the journey with their support, and yours could be next.