In a landmark policy shift aimed at broadening access to higher education, the Federal Government of Nigeria has announced a comprehensive reform of tertiary admission requirements, effectively streamlining the process to depend primarily on candidates’ performance in the Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE).
The decision, announced through a press release issued by the Federal Ministry of Education on October 13, 2025, marks a significant milestone in the implementation of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes inclusivity, youth empowerment, and educational reform.
According to the statement signed by the Ministry’s Office of the Director of Press and Public Relations, the new admission framework replaces the previous system that relied heavily on the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), conducted by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).
Under the revised policy, entry into universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, and innovation enterprise institutions across Nigeria will now be based primarily on a candidate’s SSCE results, with specific credit pass requirements depending on the level of study and type of institution.
For universities, candidates are now required to have a minimum of five (5) credit passes in relevant subjects, including English Language, obtained in not more than two sittings. Mathematics remains compulsory for candidates applying to Science, Technology, and Social Science programs.
For polytechnics (ND level), a minimum of four (4) credit passes in relevant subjects is required, including English Language. Mathematics will be mandatory for science and technology-related courses. For Higher National Diploma (HND) programs, candidates must obtain a minimum of five (5) credit passes in relevant subjects, including English and Mathematics.
The Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, explained that the reform became necessary after years of restricted access to tertiary education caused by outdated and overly stringent entry requirements. He noted that despite over two million Nigerian candidates sitting for the UTME annually, only about 700,000 eventually gained admission, leaving many qualified students excluded from tertiary education opportunities.
“This imbalance is not due to lack of ability, but because of barriers within our system,” Dr. Alausa stated. “The new policy seeks to restore fairness and equal opportunity while maintaining high academic standards.”
He emphasized that the new National Guidelines for Entry Requirements are designed to eliminate unnecessary bottlenecks, enhance inclusivity, and align with global best practices. The reform, he added, represents a bold step in advancing national development through education.
Education experts have described the decision as one of the most transformative education reforms in recent years. They note that reducing the emphasis on JAMB and refocusing on SSCE performance would help democratize access to higher learning and encourage secondary school students to take their academic work more seriously.
The policy will take effect from the 2026/2027 academic session, and tertiary institutions across the country are expected to align their admission processes with the new national framework.
The move is seen as part of the Federal Government’s broader strategy to expand access to quality education, promote fairness, and ensure that every qualified Nigerian youth has a chance to pursue tertiary education — regardless of economic or social background
