The Federal Government has approved a sweeping overhaul of entry requirements for tertiary institutions across Nigeria, introducing a more flexible and inclusive admission framework aimed at widening access to higher education.
According to a statement issued by Boriowo Folasade, Director of Press and Public Relations at the Federal Ministry of Education, the reform follows the approval of the National Guidelines for Entry Requirements into Tertiary Institutions in Nigeria.
The policy, championed by the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, is designed to “democratize access to tertiary education and empower Nigerian youths” in line with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
“The policy represents a major stride in promoting inclusivity and driving national development through equitable education opportunities,” the ministry stated.
Dr. Alausa described the reform as long overdue, lamenting that the previous admission requirements had unfairly restricted access to higher education despite many candidates meeting academic standards.
“While over two million candidates sit for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) annually, only about 700,000 secure admission — a gap caused more by outdated and rigid entry rules than by a lack of academic ability,” he said.
“This imbalance must give way to fairness and opportunity. Our goal is to ensure that capable and deserving candidates are not denied education because of obsolete policies,” the Minister added.
Under the new guidelines, Mathematics will no longer be compulsory for Arts students seeking admission into universities — a major departure from long-standing rules.
Key Highlights of the Reform
Universities: Minimum of five (5) credit passes in relevant subjects, including English Language, in not more than two sittings. Mathematics remains compulsory for Science, Technology, and Social Science courses, but not for Arts.
Polytechnics (ND level): Minimum of four (4) credit passes in relevant subjects, including English for non-science courses, and Mathematics for science-related programmes.
Polytechnics (HND level): Minimum of five (5) credits, including English and Mathematics.
Colleges of Education (NCE level): Minimum of four (4) credits, with English compulsory for Arts and Social Sciences, and Mathematics required for Science, Vocational, and Technical programmes.
Colleges of Education (B.Ed level): Minimum of five (5) credits, including English Language and Mathematics, depending on the course.
Innovation Enterprise Academies (IEAs): To adopt the same requirements as Polytechnics for National Diploma (ND) programmes.
The Federal Government also announced the abolition of the National Innovation Diploma (NID) previously awarded by IEAs, replacing it with the National Diploma (ND) to ensure uniformity and strengthen institutional credibility.
The National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) has been directed to re-accredit all IEAs nationwide to meet the new ND standards, warning that any institution that fails to comply will lose accreditation.
Dr. Alausa projected that the reforms would enable an additional 250,000 to 300,000 students to gain admission annually.
“Our young people are the heartbeat of this nation. This reform ensures that every Nigerian youth has a fair chance to learn, grow, and succeed. We are equipping them with the education and skills they need to reach their full potential and contribute meaningfully to national development,” he stated.
The Federal Government reaffirmed its commitment to inclusive education, human capital development, and youth empowerment under President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.
