In a major policy shift, the Federal Government of Nigeria has announced that the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) examination will no longer be a compulsory requirement for students seeking admission into tertiary institutions.
The reform, introduced under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, aims to expand access to higher education and eliminate long-standing barriers that have limited students’ opportunities.
According to the new directive, universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education across Nigeria can now admit candidates based primarily on their Senior Secondary Certificate Examination (SSCE) results such as WAEC or NECO instead of relying solely on JAMB scores.
New Admission Requirements
Under the new system:
Universities: Candidates must obtain at least five credits in relevant subjects, including English Language. Mathematics is mandatory only for science, technology, and social science disciplines.
Polytechnics (ND Programs): A minimum of four credits, including English, will be required.
HND Programs: Students must present five credits, including English and Mathematics.
Purpose of the Reform
The government stated that the policy is designed to increase fairness and inclusivity in tertiary education, as millions of students take the JAMB exam yearly, but only a fraction gain admission. The issue, officials noted, is not with the students’ capabilities, but with rigid admission rules that have long restricted access.
JAMB Still Retains a Role
While JAMB will no longer serve as the sole gateway to higher education, it remains part of the admission process. Institutions now have greater autonomy to evaluate applicants using SSCE results, ensuring a more flexible and student-centered system.
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The government believes this reform will empower more young Nigerians to pursue tertiary education and help build a stronger, more inclusive academic future for the nation.