BREAKING: FG Releases New Admission Requirements for Universities, Polytechnics, Colleges of Education, Others

• The Federal Government has unveiled new admission requirements for universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, and Innovation Enterprise Academies (IEAs), removing outdated restrictions such as compulsory Mathematics for Arts courses.

The Federal Government of Nigeria has approved a comprehensive reform of admission entry requirements for all tertiary institutions across the country — including universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, and Innovation Enterprise Academies (IEAs) — under a new, inclusive policy framework aimed at expanding access to higher education.

The reform follows the approval of the National Guidelines for Entry Requirements into Tertiary Institutions in Nigeria, according to a statement issued by Boriowo Folasade, Director of Press and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Education.

The new policy, led by Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, seeks to democratize access to tertiary education and ensure that no qualified candidate is denied admission because of outdated or restrictive requirements. The initiative aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda for youth empowerment and human capital development.

“Our goal is fairness and opportunity. The new framework ensures that capable and deserving candidates have access to quality education regardless of rigid past policies,” Dr. Alausa said.

New Admission Requirements by Institution Type

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.
• Mathematics is no longer compulsory for Arts students.

Polytechnics (ND Level)

• Minimum of four (4) credit passes in relevant subjects.
• English Language compulsory for non-science courses.
• Mathematics compulsory for science-related programmes.

Polytechnics (HND Level)

• Minimum of five (5) credits, including English Language and Mathematics.

DON’T MISS: BREAKING: ASUU Sets Date to Begin Strike as Ultimatum to FG Expires

Colleges of Education (NCE Level)

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

Colleges of Education (B.Ed Level)

• Minimum of five (5) credits, including English Language and Mathematics, as applicable to the chosen course.

Innovation Enterprise Academies (IEAs)

• To adopt the same requirements as Polytechnics for National Diploma (ND) programmes.
• The National Innovation Diploma (NID) has been abolished and replaced with the National Diploma (ND) to ensure uniformity and credibility.

Further Institutional Reforms

The National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) has been directed to re-accredit all IEAs to meet the new ND standards. Institutions that fail to comply will face de-accreditation.

According to the ministry, the reform is expected to create additional 250,000 to 300,000 admission opportunities annually, helping more Nigerian youths gain access to higher education.

“This is a step towards equity and inclusion. Every Nigerian youth deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, and contribute meaningfully to national development,” Dr. Alausa added.

The Federal Government reaffirmed its commitment to inclusive education, human capital development, and youth empowerment under the Renewed Hope Agenda of President Tinubu’s administration.