In a major policy shift aimed at democratizing access to higher education, the Federal Government of Nigeria has approved a comprehensive reform of entry requirements into all tertiary institutions across the country.
The new policy, announced by the Federal Ministry of Education under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, and driven by Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, seeks to expand opportunities for Nigerian youths, reduce barriers to admission, and promote inclusive education in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Dr. Alausa explained that the reform became necessary after years of restricted access that left many qualified candidates unable to secure university admission. Despite over two million candidates sitting for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) annually, only about 700,000 gain admission each year. The Minister attributed this gap to “outdated and overly stringent entry requirements” that needed to be reviewed to promote fairness and opportunity.
Key Highlights of the New Admission Policy:
- Universities: Minimum of five (5) credit passes in relevant subjects, including English Language, obtained in not more than two sittings. Mathematics remains compulsory for Science, Technology, and Social Science courses.
- Polytechnics (ND Level): Minimum of four (4) credit passes in relevant subjects, including English Language for non-science courses, and Mathematics for science-related programs.
- Polytechnics (HND Level): Minimum of five (5) credit passes, including English Language and Mathematics.
- Colleges of Education (NCE Level): Minimum of four (4) credit passes in relevant subjects, with English Language mandatory for Arts and Social Science courses, and Mathematics for Science, Vocational, and Technical programs.
- Colleges of Education (B.Ed Level): 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 requirements as Polytechnics for the National Diploma (ND) program. The National Innovation Diploma (NID) has been abolished.
The National Industrial Diploma (NID) previously issued by Innovation Enterprise Academies will also be phased out and replaced with the National Diploma (ND) for uniformity and credibility. The National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) is currently re-accrediting all IEAs nationwide to align with these new standards, with institutions failing to comply facing de-accreditation.
According to the Ministry, the reform is expected to create 250,000 to 300,000 additional admission opportunities annually, ensuring more young Nigerians gain access to tertiary education.
Dr. Alausa emphasized that the harmonized guidelines would help reduce the number of out-of-school youths, strengthen technical and vocational training, and align Nigeria’s tertiary education framework with global standards.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to equipping young people with the education and skills necessary to reach their full potential and contribute meaningfully to national development.
The Federal Government reiterated that this reform underscores its dedication to inclusive education, youth empowerment, and human capital development under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.