The Federal Government has introduced major reforms to admission requirements across all tertiary institutions in Nigeria, in a bid to expand access and eliminate long-standing entry barriers.
The policy, approved under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s administration, is part of the Renewed Hope Agenda and aims to democratise access to higher education while empowering Nigerian youths through a more inclusive and equitable system.
In a statement issued on Monday, the Federal Ministry of Education said the new National Guidelines for Entry Requirements would apply to universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, and Innovation Enterprise Institutions (IEIs) across the country.
Speaking on the development, Minister of Education, Dr Maruf Tunji Alausa, described the move as a “bold and necessary step” following years of restrictive policies that have denied many qualified candidates the opportunity to secure admission.
“Every year, over two million candidates sit for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), yet fewer than 700,000 gain admission,” Dr Alausa said.
“This imbalance is not due to a lack of merit, but rather outdated and rigid entry criteria that must give way to fairness and opportunity.”
Key Highlights of the New Guidelines
1. For Universities:
-Minimum of five (5) credit passes in relevant O’Level subjects (WASSCE, SSCE, or equivalent), in not more than two sittings.
-English Language is compulsory for all courses.
-Mathematics is mandatory for Science, Technology, and Social Science programmes.
2. For Polytechnics:
-Higher National Diploma (HND)/Degree Programmes:Five credit passes, including English Language and Mathematics (where applicable.
-National Diploma (ND): Minimum of four credit passes, including English Language. Mathematics is compulsory for science-related courses.
3.For Colleges of Education:
Degree Programmes (B.Ed):Five credit passes, including English Language. Mathematics is required for Science, Technology, and Social Sciences.
-NCE Programmes: Four credit passes. English is compulsory for Arts and Social Sciences; Mathematics for Science, Technical, and Vocational programmes.
4. For Innovation Enterprise Institutions (IEIs):
-Entry requirements are now aligned with ND programmes in polytechnics.
-The National Innovation Diploma (NID) has been officially abolished across all IEIs.
Reform Aimed at Equity and Opportunity
According to the Ministry, the revised framework maintains academic standards while removing outdated requirements that have long excluded capable students.
“This reform reflects our commitment to an education system that works for all, not just a privileged few,” the Ministry stated.
“We are creating a fairer pathway for aspiring students while upholding the integrity of our tertiary institutions.”
The new guidelines take immediate effect and are to be implemented across both public and private tertiary institutions.
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