The Federal Ministry of Education has announced a significant shift in Nigeria’s tertiary admission process, declaring that the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board will no longer serve as the primary requirement for entry into higher institutions.
Under the new directive, universities, polytechnics and colleges of education across the country will now have the autonomy to determine their admission criteria. Institutions are expected to assess candidates primarily based on their Senior School Certificate Examination results or equivalent qualifications, rather than relying solely on JAMB scores.
The Ministry explained that the policy is designed to provide greater flexibility within the admission system and to ensure that qualified candidates are not unjustly excluded from pursuing higher education. Officials noted that the change would empower institutions to align their selection processes with their specific academic standards and capacity.
The development marks a major reform in Nigeria’s education sector, potentially reshaping how prospective students secure placement in tertiary institutions nationwide. Further guidelines on implementation are expected to be communicated to stakeholders in due course.
