The Federal Government has carried out sweeping reforms in the admission process into Nigeria’s tertiary institutions, eliminating mathematics as a compulsory entry requirement for admission to study art courses in universities, polytechnics, colleges of education and innovation enterprise academies across Nigeria.
The government announced the reviewed National Guidelines for Entry Requirements into Tertiary Institutions in Nigeria, on Tuesday in Abuja, saying under President Bola Tinubu, it was taking decisive action to democratize access to tertiary education and empower Nigerian youths.
According to the new guidelines, admission requirement into universities will be a minimum of five credit passes in relevant subjects, including English Language, obtained in not more than two sittings, while Mathematics is mandatory for Science, Technology, and Social Science courses.
In polytechnics, the requirements for admission into National Diploma Level will now be a Minimum of four credit passes in relevant subjects, including English Language for non-science courses and Mathematics for science-related programs.
Similarly, the requirements for all polytechnics Higher National Diploma admission will now be a minimum of five credit passes in relevant subjects, including English Language and Mathematics.
The requirements for NCE level admission into Colleges of Education are now a minimum of four credit passes in relevant subjects, with English Language mandatory for Arts and Social Science courses, and Mathematics required for Science, Vocational, and Technical programs.
“Colleges of Education (B.Ed Level): Minimum of five (5) credit passes, including English Language and Mathematics, as applicable to the course of study.
“Innovation Enterprise Academies (IEAs): To adopt the same minimum requirements as Polytechnics for the National Diploma (ND) program. The National Innovation Diploma (NID) is hereby abolished.
“In addition, the National Industrial Diploma (NID) previously issued by Innovation Enterprise Academies will be phased out and replaced with the National Diploma (ND) to ensure uniformity, credibility, and progression opportunities for graduates.
“The National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) is currently re-accrediting all IEAs nationwide to align with the new ND standards. Institutions that fail to transition to full accreditation will be de-accredited,” a statement by the Director of Press and Public Relations at Ministry of Education, Mrs Folasade Boriowo, read.
According to Boriowo, the comprehensive reform of admission entry requirements into all tertiary institutions across the country has been approved.
She noted that the policy, driven by the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Alausa, represents a bold step in advancing the Renewed Hope Agenda and promoting inclusive education for national development.
Speaking on the policy, Alausa explains that the reform has become necessary after years of restricted access that left many qualified candidates unable to secure admission.
The minister lamented that every year, over two million candidates sit for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination, UTME, yet only about 700,000 gain admission.
According to him, this imbalance, is not due to a lack of ability but rather to outdated and overly stringent entry requirements that must give way to fairness and opportunity.
He noted that the revised National Guidelines for Entry Requirements into Nigerian Tertiary Institutions are designed to remove barriers while maintaining academic standards.
The statement said the reform is a deliberate effort to expand access to tertiary education, creating opportunities for additional 250,000 to 300,000 additional students to be admitted to our Tertiary Institutions each year, adding that it reflects a firm commitment to ensuring that every Nigerian youth has a fair chance to learn, grow, and succeed, putting the Renewed Hope Agenda into action.
Alausa noted that harmonizing admission guidelines will help reduce the number of out-of-school youths, strengthen vocational and technical training, and align Nigeria’s tertiary education structure with global and industry standards.
He reiterates that young people remain the heartbeat of the nation, and the government is committed to equipping them with the education and skills they need to reach their full potential and contribute meaningfully to national development.
He said the Federal Government remains steadfast in its commitment to inclusive education, human capital development, and youth empowerment in line with the Renewed Hope Agenda of the President.
