Tinubu’s Government Approves New Admission Rules to Expand Access to Higher Education in Nigeria
In a major education reform aimed at widening access to higher learning, the Federal Government of Nigeria, led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu (GCFR), has approved new admission guidelines designed to make tertiary education more inclusive and attainable for millions of young Nigerians.
The initiative, spearheaded by the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa (CON), marks a key milestone under the Renewed Hope Agenda, promising to bridge long-standing gaps in Nigeria’s tertiary education system and ensure that qualified students no longer face needless barriers to entry.
Why This Policy Matters
For years, thousands of bright and qualified candidates have struggled to secure university admission despite meeting academic standards. According to Dr. Alausa, over two million candidates sit for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) annually, yet only around 700,000 secure admission.
“The issue has never been a lack of talent,” Dr. Alausa explained. “It’s that our outdated and restrictive entry requirements have prevented many capable students from pursuing their dreams.”
The newly approved National Guidelines for Entry Requirements into Nigerian Tertiary Institutions aim to modernize the system, promote fairness, and expand opportunities—all while maintaining academic quality and integrity.
Updated Entry Requirements by Institution Type
1. Universities:
- Five credit passes in relevant subjects, including English Language, in not more than two sittings.
- Mathematics is compulsory for Science, Technology, and Social Science courses.
2. Polytechnics (ND Level):
- Four credit passes in relevant subjects, including English Language for non-science programmes, and Mathematics for science-related fields.
3. Polytechnics (HND Level):
- Five credit passes in relevant subjects, including English Language and Mathematics.
4. Colleges of Education (NCE Level):
- Four credit passes in relevant subjects.
- English Language is mandatory for Arts and Social Science courses, while Mathematics is required for Science, Vocational, and Technical programmes.
5. Colleges of Education (B.Ed Level):
- Five credit passes, including English Language and Mathematics, depending on the course.
6. Innovation Enterprise Academies (IEAs):
- Same minimum requirements as Polytechnics for ND-level entry.
- The National Innovation Diploma (NID) has been discontinued and replaced with the National Diploma (ND) for uniformity and better career progression.
Uniform Standards and Expanded Opportunities
The reform introduces a single qualification standard—the National Diploma (ND)—to replace the National Innovation Diploma, ensuring consistency across institutions.
The National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) has begun re-accrediting all Innovation Enterprise Academies nationwide to align them with the ND benchmark. Institutions that fail to meet this requirement will lose accreditation.
According to projections, this reform could create space for an additional 250,000 to 300,000 students to gain admission each year—offering more young Nigerians the chance to learn, grow, and contribute to national development.
Commitment to Inclusive and Practical Education
Dr. Alausa emphasized that the harmonized admission system will help reduce the number of out-of-school youths, strengthen vocational and technical education, and align Nigeria’s tertiary education with international standards.
“Young people are the heart of our nation’s progress,” he said. “By giving them access to quality education and skills, we are investing in Nigeria’s future.”
This policy underlines the Federal Government’s commitment to inclusive education, youth empowerment, and human capital development, fully aligned with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
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