Ministry of Education Rolls Out New Requirements for Admission into Tertiary Institutions

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The Federal Ministry of Education has rolled out new requirements for candidates seeking admission into tertiary institutions within the country.

Also See: Education Ministry Unveils New National Curriculum for Primary and Secondary Schools

These requirements aims to address the outdated and overly stringent entry delays. Without further ado, here is the ministry's press release stating the new requirements below:

RENEWED HOPE IN ACTION: FEDERAL GOVERNMENT STREAMLINES ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS TO EXPAND ACCESS TO TERTIARY EDUCATION

The Federal Government, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, is taking decisive action to democratize access to tertiary education and empower Nigerian youth. A comprehensive reform of admission entry requirements into tertiary institutions across the country has been approved. The policy, driven by the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, CON, represents a bold step in advancing the Renewed Hope Agenda and promoting inclusive education for national development.

Dr. Alausa explains 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. This imbalance, he notes, is not due to a lack of ability but rather to outdated and overly stringent entry requirements that must give way to fairness and opportunity.

The revised National Guidelines for Entry Requirements into Nigerian Tertiary Institutions are detailed to remove barriers while maintaining academic standards. The new framework applies across the country as follows:

NATIONAL GUIDELINES FOR ENTRY REQUIREMENTS INTO TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS IN NIGERIAS/N TERTIARY INSTITUTIONS GUIDELINES

University Education i. A minimum of five (5) credit passes in relevant subjects at O'Level examinations (WASSCE, SSCE or its equivalent), in not more than two (2) sittings; ii. Credit pass in English Language for all courses; iii. Credit pass in Mathematics for Science, Technology and Social Sciences courses.

Polytechnic Education i. A minimum of five (5) credit passes in relevant subjects at O'Level examinations (WASSCE, SSCE or its equivalent), in not more than two (2) sittings; ii. Credit pass in English Language for all courses; iii. Credit pass in Mathematics for Science, Technology and Social Sciences courses. B. National Diploma (ND): i. A minimum of four (4) credit passes in relevant subjects at O'Level examinations (WASSCE, SSCE or its equivalent), in not more than two (2) sittings; ii. Credit pass in English Language for Non-Science courses; iii. Credit pass in Mathematics for Science courses.

Colleges of Education i. A minimum of five (5) credit passes in relevant subjects at O'Level examinations (WASSCE, SSCE or its equivalent), in not more than two (2) sittings; ii. Credit pass in English Language for all courses; iii. Credit pass in Mathematics for Science, Technology and Social Sciences courses. B. FOR NCE PROGRAMS: i. A minimum of four (4) credit passes in relevant subjects at O'Level examinations; ii. Credit pass in English Language for Arts and Social Sciences Courses; iii. Credit pass in Mathematics for Science, Vocational and Technical Education Courses.

IEIs (Innovation Enterprise Institutions) i. A minimum requirement as applicable to the National Diploma (ND) Programmes in Polytechnics; ii. The National Innovation Diploma (NID) program is hereby abolished in all IEIs.

Boriowo Folashade

Director, Press and Public Relations