In a strong and unambiguous message at the 2025 Policy Meeting on Admissions into Tertiary Institutions, the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to transparency, fairness, and strict regulatory compliance in the conduct of the 2025/2026 admission exercise.
Dr. Alausa, who presided over the meeting attended by Vice Chancellors, Rectors, Provosts, and top education stakeholders, applauded the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) for its continued innovation, particularly the Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS), which he described as a game-changer in eliminating manipulation and restoring credibility to the admissions process.
He categorically stated that any admission conducted outside the CAPS platform is illegal, warning that both institutions and individuals who circumvent due process will be sanctioned. He also reiterated the mandatory compliance with regulatory quotas and professional entry requirements as critical to upholding the integrity of Nigeria’s tertiary education.
A major policy shift announced by the Minister is the formal enforcement of 16 years as the minimum age for admission into tertiary institutions. While provisions exist for genuinely gifted candidates below this age under documented special cases, any institution admitting underage students without authorization will be penalized, with the head of such institution held personally responsible.
Dr. Alausa also disclosed the establishment of a Central Examination Malpractice Unit within the Federal Ministry of Education to tackle what he called the “cancer of examination malpractice.” This unit will maintain a national database of offenders and collaborate with regulatory bodies in implementing sanctions under the Exam Malpractices Act. He commended the recommendations of the Prof. Oloyede-led committee on examination integrity, which are now being implemented. Further, he revealed that WAEC and NECO are being supported to adopt CBT modalities to further curtail malpractice.
In line with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, Dr. Alausa announced that ₦110 billion is being invested in 18 health-related universities through TETFund, supporting infrastructure such as laboratories, simulation centres, and student hostels. He encouraged institutions to focus on building centres of excellence and aligning with national development priorities. A 21% increase in applications from Persons Living with Disabilities (PLWDs) was also recorded, a development the Minister hailed as progress in inclusive education.
Speaking in solidarity, the Honourable Minister of State for Education, Professor Suwaiba Said Ahmad, emphasized the importance of balancing access, quality, and equity in tertiary education. She acknowledged the increasing demand and limited capacity as significant challenges, urging institutions to embrace data-driven planning, prioritize merit, and align academic programs with national goals in STEMM and agriculture. Professor Suwaiba praised JAMB’s efficiency and transparency and reaffirmed the Ministry's continued support for reforms that elevate the sector.
On behalf of the legislative arm, Chairman of the Senate Committee on ICT and Cybersecurity, Senator Shuaib Salisu, delivered a strong call for legislative backing to criminalize fraudulent admission practices. Describing such malpractices as damaging to the nation's educational integrity, Senator Salisu proposed firm sanctions against institutions and administrators who manipulate or exploit the admissions process. He assured stakeholders that the Senate would pursue legislation to hold errant officials accountable and promote an inclusive system that contributes to national peace and economic development.
The Registrar of JAMB, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, provided key statistics on candidate preferences for the 2025/2026 academic session. According to him, Lagos State University (LASU) topped the list with 70,080 applicants, followed by UNILAG (58,645), UNILORIN (56,758), and several other federal institutions. He noted that LASU is the only state-owned institution among the top ten preferred universities.
Prof. Oloyede also unveiled the agreed minimum cut-off scores for the 2025 admissions season:
Universities: 150
Polytechnics: 100
Colleges of Education: 100
Colleges of Agriculture: 100
Schools of Nursing: 140
He cautioned institutions to upload their updated, Senate-approved admission rules to JAMB’s Integrated Brochure and Syllabus System (IBASS) by October 31, 2025. Failure to do so, he warned, will render any new or altered admission criteria inapplicable for the 2026 cycle. Prof. Oloyede also reminded institutions that:
Public universities must conclude admissions by October 2025
Private universities by November 2025
Polytechnics and Colleges of Education by December 2025
In his closing remarks, Dr. Alausa urged all institutions to adhere strictly to the agreed cut-off marks, maintain transparency, and uphold all guidelines to ensure a reliable and equitable admissions process that reflects the aspirations of the Renewed Hope Agenda.
Elijah Adeyemi
