JUST IN: FG Says Mathematics No Longer Mandatory For Some Courses [FULL LIST]
The Federal Government has approved a comprehensive reform of admission entry requirements into all tertiary institutions across the country.
The revised National Guidelines for Entry Requirements into Nigerian Tertiary Institutions are designed to remove barriers while maintaining academic standards.
According to the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, the move is aimed at expanding access to tertiary education and creating opportunities for additional 250,000 to 300,000 students to be admitted to the nation’s tertiary Institutions each year.
Alausa explained that the reform has become necessary after years of restricted access that left many qualified candidates unable to secure admission.
“Every year, over two million candidates sit for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), yet only about 700,000 gain admission,” he said.
The imbalance, the minister noted , is not due to a lack of ability but rather outdated and overly stringent entry requirements that must give way to fairness and opportunity.
A statement by the Ministry’s Director of Press, Boriowo Folasade, disclosed that the new framework applies to universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, and Innovation Enterprise Academies (IEAs) across the country as follows:
“Universities: Minimum of five (5) credit passes in relevant subjects, including English Language, obtained in not more than two sittings. Mathematics is mandatory for Science, Technology, and Social Science courses.
“Polytechnics (ND Level): Minimum of four (4) credit passes in relevant subjects, including English Language for non-science courses and Mathematics for science-related programs.
“Polytechnics (HND Level): Minimum of five (5) credit passes in relevant subjects, including English Language and Mathematics.
“Colleges of Education (NCE Level): Minimum of four (4) 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 statement noted that 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.
It noted that 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.
The statement noted that the guideline 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.
The Minister added 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 reiterated 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.
