FG Approves New Admission Guidelines for Nigerian Tertiary Institutions

FG Approves New Admission Guidelines for Nigerian Tertiary Institutions; The Federal Government of Nigeria, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, has approved a comprehensive reform of admission entry requirements into all tertiary institutions across the country. This significant policy shift, driven by the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, CON, is aimed at democratizing access to higher education and empowering Nigerian youths in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda.

Why the Reform Was Necessary

According to Dr. Alausa, the decision to revise the admission guidelines was long overdue. For years, many qualified candidates have been unable to gain admission into tertiary institutions due to rigid and outdated entry requirements. Each year, over two million candidates sit for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), yet only about 700,000 secure admission. The Minister emphasized that this gap is not a reflection of a lack of ability but rather a consequence of restrictive policies that hinder access to quality education.

Key Highlights of the Revised National Guidelines

The newly approved National Guidelines for Entry Requirements into Nigerian Tertiary Institutions are designed to remove unnecessary barriers while maintaining high academic standards. The framework applies to universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, and Innovation Enterprise Academies (IEAs) nationwide.

Universities

• A minimum of five (5) credit passes in relevant subjects, including English Language, obtained in not more than two sittings.
• Mathematics is compulsory for Science, Technology, and Social Science courses.

Polytechnics

For National Diploma (ND) Level:

• Minimum of four (4) credit passes in relevant subjects.
• English Language is required for non-science courses, while Mathematics is mandatory for science-related programs.

For Higher National Diploma (HND) Level:

• Minimum of five (5) credit passes in relevant subjects, including English Language and Mathematics.

Colleges of Education

For NCE Programs:

• Minimum of four (4) credit passes in relevant subjects.
• English Language is required for Arts and Social Science courses.
• Mathematics is compulsory for Science, Vocational, and Technical programs.

For B.Ed (Degree) Programs:

• Minimum of five (5) credit passes, including English Language and Mathematics, as applicable to the course of study.

Innovation Enterprise Academies (IEAs)

• To adopt the same minimum requirements as Polytechnics for National Diploma (ND) programs.
• The National Innovation Diploma (NID) is hereby abolished and replaced with the National Diploma (ND) to ensure uniformity and credibility across institutions.

The National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) has been directed to re-accredit all Innovation Enterprise Academies to align with the new ND standards. Institutions that fail to meet the accreditation requirements will be de-accredited.

Impact of the Reform

The Federal Government projects that this policy will create opportunities for an additional 250,000 to 300,000 students to gain admission into tertiary institutions each year. This initiative underscores the government’s commitment to expanding educational access, reducing the number of out-of-school youths, and strengthening Nigeria’s human capital base.

Dr. Alausa emphasized that harmonizing admission guidelines across institutions will not only promote fairness and transparency but also align Nigeria’s education system with global standards. The reform aims to enhance vocational and technical training while ensuring that every Nigerian youth has a fair chance to learn, grow, and contribute meaningfully to national development.

Commitment to Youth Empowerment and National Development

The Federal Government reaffirmed its dedication to inclusive education, human capital development, and youth empowerment. This policy is part of the broader Renewed Hope Agenda of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, which seeks to build a more equitable, knowledge-driven society.

Full National Guidelines for Entry into Nigerian Tertiary Institutions

University Education

1. A minimum of five (5) credit passes in relevant subjects at O’Level (WASSCE, SSCE, or equivalent), in not more than two (2) sittings.
2. Credit pass in English Language for all courses.
3. Credit pass in Mathematics for Science, Technology, and Social Sciences courses.

Polytechnic Education

A. Higher National Diploma (HND) or Degree Program:

1. Minimum of five (5) credit passes in relevant subjects at O’Level, in not more than two (2) sittings.
2. Credit pass in English Language for all courses.
3. Credit pass in Mathematics for Science, Technology, and Social Sciences courses.

B. National Diploma (ND):

1. Minimum of four (4) credit passes in relevant subjects at O’Level, in not more than two (2) sittings.
2. Credit pass in English Language for Non-Science courses.
3. Credit pass in Mathematics for Science courses.

Colleges of Education

A. Degree Programs (B.Ed):

1. Minimum of five (5) credit passes in relevant subjects at O’Level, in not more than two (2) sittings.
2. Credit pass in English Language for all courses.
3. Credit pass in Mathematics for Science, Technology, and Social Sciences courses.

B. NCE Programs:

1. Minimum of four (4) credit passes in relevant subjects at O’Level.
2. Credit pass in English Language for Arts and Social Science courses.
3. Credit pass in Mathematics for Science, Vocational, and Technical Education courses.

Innovation Enterprise Institutions (IEIs)

1. Minimum requirements as applicable to National Diploma (ND) programs in Polytechnics.
2. The National Innovation Diploma (NID) program is abolished in all IEIs.

Signed:
Boriowo Folasade
Director, Press and Public Relations