• The Federal Government has declared that all admissions conducted outside the Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS) are illegal and will no longer be recognised
• The government warned universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education against operating parallel admission systems outside the approved JAMB CAPS platform
• The Minister of Education, Maruf Alausa, stressed that the move is aimed at restoring credibility, fairness, transparency, and order to Nigeria’s tertiary education admission process

The Federal Government has declared all admissions conducted outside the Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS) illegal, warning tertiary institutions that violators will face strict sanctions.

Speaking on Monday, May 11, at the 2026 Policy Meeting on Admissions to Tertiary Institutions in Abuja, the Minister of Education, Maruf Alausa, said institutions operating admission processes outside the approved system would no longer be recognised.

According to the minister, restoring credibility to Nigeria’s tertiary education sector requires strict adherence to transparent admission procedures.

“Let me reiterate, without equivocation, that admissions conducted outside this framework are illegal and will not be recognised,” Alausa said.

He stressed that institutions must stop operating parallel admission systems that disadvantage qualified candidates.

“The era in which institutions operated parallel admission systems, often to the detriment of deserving candidates, must come to an end,” he added.

Alausa warned that any institution caught bypassing the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board CAPS platform would face regulatory action.

“I have resisted many attempts at condoning illegality in the admissions process. I will not be a party to such actions,” he stated.

The minister further warned that sanctions could include suspension of operating licences for both public and private institutions found violating the rules.

“Heads of institutions, whether in the public or private sector, must recognise that such violations could result in severe consequences, including the suspension of operating licences or other regulatory actions, where applicable,” he said.

He explained that the government’s move was not intended to punish schools but to restore order and public confidence in the admission process.

“Government will continue to enforce compliance with this policy, and appropriate sanctions will be applied where necessary. This is not a punitive measure; it is a necessary step towards restoring order and credibility in the system,” Alausa noted.

On the issue of admission age, the minister confirmed that the Federal Government had retained 16 years as the minimum age requirement for admission into tertiary institutions.

“Following extensive consultations and policy reviews, the government has maintained sixteen (16) years as the minimum age for admission into tertiary institutions,” he said.

He, however, noted that exceptionally gifted students could still be considered under strictly monitored guidelines.

The minister also praised Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board for introducing measures that improve access to education for persons with disabilities, including waivers on application fees.

“This initiative is not only humane but also a powerful affirmation of our national commitment to equity and equal opportunity,” he said.

Alausa highlighted ongoing reforms in the education sector, including the implementation of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund aimed at helping students overcome financial barriers.

“For decades, financial constraints have constituted a significant barrier for many capable young Nigerians,” he said.

He described the interest-free loan programme covering tuition and upkeep as a long-term investment in the country’s future.

The minister also called on public tertiary institutions to embrace transparency by publishing operational details such as enrolment figures and financial allocations.

According to him, the Federal Government is intensifying efforts toward digitalising education through computer-based testing and the inclusion of emerging technologies in school curricula.

He also referenced the 2025 agreement reached with the Academic Staff Union of Universities, describing it as a breakthrough expected to improve staff welfare, funding, and stability in universities.

“The 2025 Agreement represents a decisive breakthrough in resolving a dispute that had persisted for many years,” he said.

Alausa further warned against examination malpractice, stressing that stronger verification systems were being introduced to protect the integrity of academic certificates.

“The credibility of our certificates depends on the integrity of the processes through which they are earned,” he stated.

He urged education stakeholders to focus on implementing policies effectively, saying reforms would only succeed through practical execution.

“For too long, our sector has been characterised by well-articulated policies that fail to translate into tangible outcomes,” he said.

The minister concluded by urging stakeholders to uphold fairness and integrity in admissions, noting that the future of millions of Nigerian students depended on transparent processes.

JAMB exempts Education, Agriculture candidates from UTME requirement

Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported that the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board had announced a major reform to Nigeria’s tertiary admission process, revealing that candidates applying for Education programmes and Agriculture-related non-engineering courses will no longer be required to sit for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

According to the examination body, the new policy is aimed at creating alternative admission pathways for students seeking entry into selected academic disciplines.