Full Details: FG’s New Entry Requirements for All Nigerian Tertiary Institutions

Full Details: FG’s New Entry Requirements for All Nigerian Tertiary Institutions
Dr. Alausa disclosed that the new policy will enable the admission of an additional 250,000 to 300,000 students annually
Universities: Minimum of five 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

The Federal Government has approved a comprehensive reform of admission entry requirements into tertiary institutions across the country, as part of efforts to democratize access to higher education and empower Nigerian youths.

Contents

EDITOR’S PICK
FURTHER READING

Eko Hot Blog reports that the new policy, endorsed by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, and driven by the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, CON, marks a major milestone in advancing the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda and promoting inclusive education.

EDITOR’S PICK

Speaking on the development, Dr. Alausa said the reform became necessary after years of restrictive policies that prevented many qualified candidates from gaining admission.

He noted that although over two million candidates sit for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) annually, only about 700,000 secure placement into tertiary institutions.

“This imbalance is not due to lack of merit but because of outdated and overly stringent entry requirements,” the minister explained. “We are changing that to create fairness, opportunity, and inclusivity for all.”

Under the new National Guidelines for Entry Requirements into Nigerian Tertiary Institutions, all categories of higher institutions universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, and Innovation Enterprise Academies (IEAs) will adopt more flexible but credible admission standards.

Key Highlights of the New Guidelines:

Universities: Minimum of five 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 (ND Level): At least four credit passes in relevant subjects, including English for non-science courses and Mathematics for science-related programs.

Polytechnics (HND Level): Five credit passes, including English and Mathematics.

Colleges of Education (NCE): Minimum of four credit passes with English mandatory for Arts and Social Science courses, and Mathematics required for Science, Vocational, and Technical programs.

Colleges of Education (B.Ed Level): Minimum of five credit passes, including English and Mathematics.

Full Details: FG’s New Entry Requirements for All Nigerian Tertiary Institutions

Innovation Enterprise Academies (IEAs): To adopt the same entry standards as polytechnics for the National Diploma (ND) program.

The reform also abolishes the National Innovation Diploma (NID) previously awarded by IEAs, replacing it with the National Diploma (ND) to ensure uniformity and credibility across technical and vocational education.

The National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) has begun re-accrediting all IEAs nationwide to align them with the new ND standards, with non-compliant institutions set for de-accreditation.

Dr. Alausa disclosed that the new policy will enable the admission of an additional 250,000 to 300,000 students annually across Nigeria’s tertiary institutions.

“This is a deliberate effort to expand access to quality education and give every Nigerian youth a fair chance to learn, grow, and succeed,” he said. “It also aligns our tertiary system with global best practices and industry expectations.”

According to him, harmonizing admission requirements will reduce the number of out-of-school youths, strengthen vocational and technical training, and better equip young Nigerians with employable skills.

The Federal Government reaffirmed its commitment to inclusive education, human capital development, and youth empowerment in line with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.