FG Reforms Tertiary Admission Rules, Makes Mathematics Optional for Arts Candidates

Abuja — The Federal Government has approved a major overhaul of admission entry requirements for all tertiary institutions in Nigeria, introducing a more flexible and inclusive framework designed to widen access to higher education.

The reform follows the ratification of new national guidelines for tertiary admission requirements, according to a statement issued by Boriowo Folasade, Director of Press and Public Relations, Federal Ministry of Education.

The new policy, championed by Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda and aims to democratise access to higher education, empower young Nigerians, and promote inclusive national development.

“The policy represents a major stride in promoting inclusivity and driving national development through equitable education opportunities,” the ministry stated.

Outdated Admission Rules to Be Replaced

Dr. Alausa said the reform became necessary after years of rigid and outdated admission policies that prevented thousands of qualified candidates from securing placement, despite meeting academic expectations.

According to him, while over two million candidates take the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) each year, only about 700,000 gain admission — a gap he blamed on “obsolete and restrictive” entry requirements rather than lack of academic merit.

“This imbalance must give way to fairness and opportunity. Our goal is to ensure that capable and deserving candidates are not denied education because of obsolete policies,” he said.

The new national guidelines update the minimum entry standards for universities, polytechnics, colleges of education, and Innovation Enterprise Academies (IEAs) while maintaining academic integrity.

New Entry Requirements by Institution Type

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 programmes, but no longer mandatory for Arts courses.

Polytechnics (ND level):

• Minimum of four (4) credit passes in relevant subjects.
• English is compulsory for non-science courses, while Mathematics is required 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 is compulsory for Arts and Social Sciences, while 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.

Innovation Enterprise Academies (IEAs):

• To adopt the same requirements as Polytechnics for National Diploma (ND) programmes.

National Diploma to Replace NID Certificates

The Federal Government also abolished the National Innovation Diploma (NID) previously issued by IEAs, replacing it with the National Diploma (ND) to ensure uniformity and credibility across all tertiary institutions.

The National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) has been directed to re-accredit all IEAs nationwide to align with the new ND standard. Institutions that fail to meet full accreditation requirements risk de-accreditation, the statement warned.

Reform to Expand Access for 300,000 More Students

Dr. Alausa said the reforms are projected to create additional opportunities for 250,000 to 300,000 students to gain admission annually, closing the gap between qualified candidates and available placements.

“Our young people are the heartbeat of this nation. This reform ensures that every Nigerian youth has a fair chance to learn, grow, and succeed,” the minister said. “We are equipping them with the education and skills they need to reach their full potential and contribute meaningfully to national development.”

The Federal Government reaffirmed its commitment to inclusive education, human capital development, and youth empowerment, stressing that the policy advances President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda.

Opinion Nigeria News