The Federal Government has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that access to higher education in Nigeria remains fair, transparent, merit driven, and accountable following key resolutions reached at the 2026 policy meeting on admissions into tertiary institutions organised by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board.
Addressing critical stakeholders in the education sector at the meeting, government officials stressed the need to strengthen integrity, expand access, and deepen reforms across Nigeria’s tertiary education system.
Among the major resolutions reached at the meeting was the declaration that all admissions conducted outside the Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS) of Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board remain illegal and would not be recognised by the Federal Government.
The meeting also reaffirmed that 16 years remains the minimum age requirement for admission into tertiary institutions across the country.
In a move aimed at improving access to teacher education, candidates applying for National Certificate in Education (NCE) programmes with a minimum of four credits will no longer be required to sit for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). However, such candidates are still expected to register with JAMB for screening and admission processing through CAPS.
Stakeholders at the meeting further resolved that the minimum admission benchmark for universities and colleges of nursing would remain 150, while polytechnics would retain a minimum score of 100.
The Federal Government also reiterated its commitment to strengthening inclusive education for Persons Living With Disabilities through targeted support initiatives and improved accessibility across tertiary institutions.
Part of the reforms highlighted at the meeting includes accelerating the adoption of digital technologies, computer based testing, artificial intelligence, and other emerging technologies within the education sector to improve efficiency and transparency.
Authorities also pledged to strengthen verification and supervision systems in a bid to decisively curb examination malpractice and other forms of admission irregularities.
Speaking on the outcomes of the meeting, government officials reaffirmed their commitment to ensuring that reforms in the education sector move beyond policy discussions to effective implementation.
The government also commended Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board and its Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, for the continued deployment of technology and data driven systems that have improved credibility and public trust in Nigeria’s admissions process.
The stakeholders expressed optimism that the ongoing reforms would help build a tertiary education system that is accessible, inclusive, globally competitive, and rooted in integrity.
