FG Announces New Admission Policy — JAMB No Longer Mandatory for Tertiary Institutions

FG Announces New Admission Policy — JAMB No Longer Mandatory for Tertiary Institutions

The Federal Government has announced that JAMB is no longer compulsory for admission into Nigerian universities, polytechnics, and colleges. Learn how the new policy works and what it means for students.

A New Era for Nigerian Students

In a bold move to make higher education more accessible, the Federal Government of Nigeria has announced that the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) will no longer be a mandatory requirement for gaining admission into tertiary institutions. This reform, introduced under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, aims to simplify the admission process and give every student a fairer opportunity to study in universities, polytechnics, and colleges across the country.

For decades, millions of Nigerian students have struggled with the stress and limitations of JAMB. Now, with this new development, tertiary institutions can offer direct admission based on SSCE (WAEC or NECO) results — a move that has been widely praised as a step toward inclusive education.

Understanding the New Admission Policy

The key highlight of this policy is that JAMB is no longer the sole gateway to higher education in Nigeria. Institutions now have the autonomy to admit students based on their secondary school examination results, provided certain academic standards are met.

Here’s a breakdown of the new admission requirements:

• For Universities:

  • Candidates must have at least five credits in relevant subjects, including English Language.
  • Mathematics is compulsory only for science, technology, and social science-related courses.

• For Polytechnics (ND Programmes):

  • Applicants must have a minimum of four credits, including English Language.

• For HND Programmes:

  • A minimum of five credits is required, including English and Mathematics.

This change aims to reduce the bottlenecks created by centralized examinations and empower institutions to recognize students based on their academic performance in secondary school.

Why the Federal Government Introduced the Reform

The government’s decision stems from a growing concern that JAMB has become more of a barrier than a bridge to tertiary education. Every year, over 1.7 million candidates sit for the JAMB UTME, yet only a fraction secure admission.

According to education experts, this has discouraged many qualified students from pursuing higher education, especially those from underprivileged backgrounds.

The new reform seeks to:

1. Increase access to tertiary education across Nigeria.
2. Reduce dependence on a single examination body for student evaluation.
3. Empower tertiary institutions to conduct transparent and independent admission processes.
4. Encourage academic excellence through SSCE performance.

For more details about tertiary admission reforms and updates, you can visit the official Federal Ministry of Education website.

Does This Mean JAMB Is Cancelled?

No — JAMB is not cancelled. Instead, its influence in the admission process has been reduced. The board will continue to exist as a regulatory body to ensure fairness and standardization, but schools now have more flexibility to admit students directly.

In simple terms, JAMB is no longer mandatory, but still optional for those who prefer it.

Students who already passed JAMB can still use their results for admission, while those without JAMB scores can now apply through their WAEC or NECO results directly via their preferred institution’s portal.

You can check official JAMB updates or registration details on the JAMB official website.

Benefits of the New Admission Policy for Students

The policy comes with several advantages for both students and educational institutions:

• Less stress and fewer financial burdens on students and parents.
• Greater inclusivity, especially for rural and low-income students.
• Faster admission processes, as schools handle direct verification.
• Multiple admission pathways, allowing students to choose what works best for them.

By focusing on SSCE results, institutions can assess students based on long-term academic performance rather than a single test score.

What Students Should Do Next

If you’re planning to gain admission under the new policy, here’s what to do:

1. Ensure your SSCE results are strong — aim for credits in key subjects.
2. Check your chosen institution’s admission guidelines on their official website.
3. Apply directly to universities, polytechnics, or colleges that support the new system.
4. Stay updated through credible education platforms such as Edugist and Nairametrics Education News.

Education Access Just Got Easier

The Federal Government’s decision to make JAMB optional for tertiary admission marks a transformative step in Nigeria’s education system. It gives power back to schools, reduces stress for students, and ensures that every qualified candidate has a chance to further their education.

If you’re a student aspiring to gain admission in 2025 and beyond, now is the time to prepare your SSCE results and explore institutions offering direct entry opportunities.

Stay informed and take charge of your education journey today by visiting the Federal Ministry of Education portal for the latest admission updates and policy details.