The Federal Government has announced a significant shift in Nigeria’s higher education admission process, declaring that the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) examination will no longer be a compulsory requirement for entry into tertiary institutions.

Policy Overview

Under the new policy, tertiary institutions are now permitted to admit students based on their Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE) results, including those from the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) and the National Examinations Council (NECO).

This move aims to provide alternative pathways for students seeking admission into universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education across the country.

Admission Requirements

For university admissions, candidates must have at least five credits in relevant subjects, including English Language.

Mathematics is compulsory only for science, technology, and social science courses. Polytechnic applicants must possess a minimum of four credits, including English Language, for National Diploma (ND) programmes.

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Higher National Diploma (HND) applicants are required to have five credits, including both English and Mathematics.

Clarification on JAMB’s Role

While JAMB is no longer a mandatory requirement for admission, the examination body will continue to operate.

The policy does not abolish JAMB or the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME); instead, it reduces JAMB’s role as the sole admission pathway, granting institutions greater autonomy to admit students using SSCE results.

Government’s Rationale

The Federal Government introduced this reform to expand access to higher education and ease the admission process for millions of students who sit for JAMB each year but fail to secure placement due to the system’s strict entry criteria.

By allowing institutions to consider SSCE results, the government aims to eliminate unnecessary barriers and provide more students with a fair chance to further their education.