Reverse Cancellation Of 2026 Admissions, Degree Programmes — NTI Managers Beg FG

The National Teachers’ Institute (NTI) Centre Managers’ Forum has appealed to President Bola Tinubu and the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, to reverse the cancellation of the institute’s programmes and 2026 admissions.

The forum also warned that the decision could affect the academic future of more than 21,000 students.

It said the affected students had been admitted into the National Certificate in Education (NCE) and degree programmes for the 2026 academic session before the announcement of the cancellation.

In an appeal dated November 7, 2026, and signed by its National Chairman, Dr Tam Loveday Frank Jumbo, and National Secretary, Dr Mamuda Inuwa Doguwa, the forum urged the Federal Government to allow the students to complete their programmes while necessary regulatory reforms are undertaken.

According to the forum, the students applied, secured admission, registered for their programmes, attended physical and virtual lectures and sat for their first-semester examinations in August 2026.

It said many were awaiting the release of their results when the announcement threw their academic futures into uncertainty.

“Their academic futures have suddenly been placed in uncertainty, leaving thousands of students distressed and fearful that years of effort, financial commitment and personal sacrifice may amount to nothing,” the forum said.

The managers argued that the students should not bear the consequences of administrative or institutional shortcomings beyond their control, having enrolled in good faith in a government-owned institution operating under the supervision of the Federal Ministry of Education.

21,000 Students Face Uncertainty

The forum said many students deliberately chose the NTI because its flexible and affordable learning arrangements accommodated their employment, family responsibilities and financial circumstances.

It noted that the institute had provided educational opportunities to more than one million Nigerians over its more than 45 years of existence, particularly those unable to access conventional universities and colleges of education.

“For many, the NTI represents their most realistic opportunity to acquire higher education and improve their professional and socioeconomic status,” it said.

The forum acknowledged the Federal Government’s efforts to improve standards and quality assurance in the education sector but urged the minister to adopt a more inclusive approach that would protect students already enrolled.

Forum Proposes Alternative

The centre managers asked the Ministry of Education to reconsider the cancellation and allow affected students to complete their academic programmes.

They also urged the ministry to direct the NTI to review and align its admission procedures, operations and academic activities with established regulatory requirements.

Other recommendations include transitional arrangements for students already admitted, registered and assessed, as well as consultations with relevant stakeholders, including the Centre Managers’ Forum, to develop a sustainable solution.

The forum maintained that its appeal was not against reforms or quality assurance but against an abrupt decision that could jeopardise the educational aspirations of thousands of Nigerians.

“Educational reforms should strengthen institutions, improve quality and protect the interests of learners rather than abruptly terminate the aspirations of innocent citizens who have placed their trust in government-owned institutions,” it said.

It appealed to Tinubu and Alausa to intervene, insisting that the students should be allowed to complete their education while the necessary institutional reforms are implemented.

The forum also expressed confidence in the current NTI Director-General, Professor S.S. Daura, saying students’ hopes had been restored under his leadership.