The Federal Government has approved sweeping reforms to admission requirements across all tertiary institutions in the country.
The policy, led by the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, represents a major stride under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, designed to democratize access to tertiary education and reduce systemic barriers that have prevented many qualified candidates from gaining admission.
New Tertiary Admission Guidelines in Nigeria
The Federal Ministry of Education announced that the revised National Guidelines for Entry Requirements into Nigerian Tertiary Institutions will now apply uniformly to universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, and Innovation Enterprise Academies (IEAs).
The reforms aim to modernize outdated entry rules while maintaining academic standards and quality assurance.
Key Highlights of the New Policy
Universities:
Applicants must possess credit passes in relevant O’Level subjects, obtained in not more than two sittings. English Language is mandatory for all courses, while Mathematics remains compulsory for Science, Technology, and Social Science programs, but is no longer required for Arts and Humanities.
Polytechnics (National Diploma Level):
A minimum requirement of credit passes in relevant subjects is needed, including English Language for non-science programs and Mathematics for science-related courses.
Polytechnics (Higher National Diploma Level):
Candidates must present credit passes in relevant subjects, including English Language and Mathematics.
Colleges of Education (NCE Level):
Credit passes are required in relevant subjects, with English Language compulsory for Arts and Social Science courses, while Mathematics is mandatory for Science, Vocational, and Technical programs.
Colleges of Education (B.Ed Level):
Credit passes are needed in relevant subjects, including English Language and Mathematics, depending on the program of study.
Innovation Enterprise Academies (IEAs):
IEAs will now adopt the same minimum entry requirements as polytechnics for National Diploma programs. The previous National Innovation Diploma has been phased out and replaced with the National Diploma.
The National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) has been directed to re-accredit all IEAs under the new framework, with institutions that fail to comply facing potential de-accreditation.
Policy Rationale and Government’s Vision
According to Dr. Alausa, the reform was necessary following years of restrictive admission processes that left thousands of qualified students stranded despite meeting basic academic standards.
Each year, a significant number of candidates sit for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), yet only a fraction are offered admission into Nigerian tertiary institutions. The Minister explained that this imbalance is not due to a lack of ability, but rather the rigidity of outdated entry conditions.
He stated that the new admission framework is designed to remove artificial barriers, ensure fairness, and align Nigeria’s tertiary education system with global standards of inclusivity and merit-based access.
Removal of Blanket Mathematics Requirement
One of the most debated aspects of the new reform is the relaxation of the compulsory Mathematics requirement. Under the revised guidelines, Mathematics will no longer be mandatory for candidates seeking admission into Arts and Humanities disciplines.
Government officials argue that this decision was driven by the need to create more opportunities for talented students who perform strongly in other relevant subjects but have historically been held back by Mathematics.
According to education analysts, this policy could open the door for thousands of qualified candidates who previously failed to meet the Mathematics criterion, thereby boosting overall enrollment and reducing Nigeria’s growing population of out-of-school youths.
Mixed Reactions from Stakeholders
Reactions to the new policy have been divided among educators, parents, and academic institutions.
Supporters Applaud Inclusive Reform
Proponents have described the move as a long-overdue corrective measure that aligns with Nigeria’s developmental needs. They argue that relaxing entry restrictions will allow more qualified young Nigerians to pursue higher education, ultimately expanding the nation’s skilled workforce.
Many educationists also commended the removal of the compulsory Mathematics clause for Arts students, noting that it offers relief to candidates who demonstrate academic strength in other areas.
Critics Warn of Academic Risks
However, critics have expressed concern that removing Mathematics as a compulsory subject for some courses could weaken analytical and quantitative reasoning skills among students. Some academics caution that this could affect the country’s long-term competitiveness in a technology-driven global economy.
A Lagos-based education expert described the move as a “policy of convenience,” arguing that Mathematics remains a foundational skill essential for logical reasoning and problem-solving across disciplines.
Clarifying the Role of JAMB: Facts vs. Rumors
Following the announcement, rumors circulated widely that the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) would no longer be required for university admissions in Nigeria. Social media posts and blogs claimed that institutions would now admit students based solely on their O’Level results.
However, the Federal Ministry of Education and JAMB have categorically dismissed these claims as false and misleading. The Board reaffirmed that the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) remains a mandatory prerequisite for admission into all tertiary institutions in Nigeria.
According to JAMB officials, the Board continues to play a central role in regulating admissions, ensuring transparency, and maintaining merit-based selection. They emphasized that while the new guidelines address O’Level subject flexibility, JAMB’s screening and coordination functions remain unchanged.
Education experts have suggested that the misunderstanding likely arose from confusion over the reform’s broader provisions. Some have also noted that while alternative entry pathways such as JUPEB, IJMB, and NOUN programs exist, these are not replacements for JAMB’s central admission process.
Potential Impact and Implementation Challenges
The Federal Government projects that the new admission policy could significantly increase access to tertiary education, reducing the number of qualified candidates left out each year.
Analysts say the reform could boost human capital development if properly implemented, but warn that tertiary institutions must also prepare for increased enrollment by improving infrastructure, academic staffing, and learning resources.
Critics caution that merely expanding access without strengthening institutional capacity could create new challenges such as overcrowding and declining quality of education.
The Road Ahead
The Federal Government insists that the new policy reflects the core values of the Renewed Hope Agenda, which emphasizes education as the foundation for national development and social mobility.
Dr. Alausa reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ensuring that “no willing and capable Nigerian youth is left behind due to rigid entry barriers or outdated policies.”
The new guidelines take effect immediately, and all tertiary institutions—public and private—are required to comply. The Ministry has pledged to work closely with education boards, JAMB, and relevant stakeholders to monitor compliance and ensure smooth implementation nationwide.
