The Federal Government, through the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), has released new National Guidelines updating admission requirements for universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, and Innovation Enterprise Academies (IEAs) across Nigeria.
According to the new directive, the goal is to harmonize admission standards across all tertiary institutions while ensuring fairness, flexibility, and alignment with global best practices.
Key Highlights of the New Admission Requirements
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.
- Mathematics is no longer compulsory for Arts students, marking a major policy shift welcomed by many stakeholders in the education sector.
Polytechnics (ND Level)
- Minimum of four (4) credits in relevant subjects.
- English Language is compulsory for non-science courses.
- Mathematics is compulsory for science-related programmes.
Polytechnics (HND Level)
- Minimum of five (5) credits, including English Language and Mathematics.
Colleges of Education (NCE Level)
- Minimum of four (4) credits.
- English Language is compulsory for Arts and Social Sciences.
- Mathematics is 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 of study.
Innovation Enterprise Academies (IEAs)
- To adopt the same admission standards as polytechnics at the National Diploma (ND) level.
Why This Development Matters
Education experts have hailed the new guidelines as a progressive step, especially the decision to drop Mathematics as a compulsory subject for Arts students.
This reform could increase access to higher education, reduce admission frustrations, and allow students to pursue courses aligned with their strengths.
However, some stakeholders emphasize the need for strict implementation to maintain academic quality and prevent abuse of the new flexibility.
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