The Federal Government has warned tertiary institutions across the country against conducting admissions outside the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board’s Central Admissions Processing System, CAPS, declaring that any such process would be considered illegal and could attract strict sanctions, including suspension of operating licences.
Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, gave the warning on Monday in Abuja during his address at the 2026 Policy Meeting on Admissions to Tertiary Institutions.
The minister said the government was determined to end irregular admission practices capable of undermining transparency, merit and confidence in the nation’s education system.
“Admissions conducted outside this framework are illegal and will not be recognised,” Alausa declared.
He added: “I have resisted many attempts at condoning illegality in the admissions process. I will not be a party to such actions.”
According to him, institutions that violate the directive would face serious penalties from the government.
“Any institution found to have conducted admissions outside the CAPS will be held accountable, and appropriate sanctions shall be applied without hesitation,” he said.
Alausa also confirmed that 16 years remains the approved minimum age for admission into tertiary institutions in Nigeria after what he described as broad consultations and policy reviews.
While acknowledging that some students may be exceptionally gifted, the minister maintained that the policy strikes a balance between access and academic preparedness.
He further announced fresh admission waivers for candidates seeking entry into colleges of education and agriculture-related programmes.
Under the new arrangement, candidates applying for the Nigeria Certificate in Education, with at least four credit passes would no longer be required to sit for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination.
The exemption, according to the minister, also covers candidates seeking admission into National Diploma programmes in non-technology, agricultural and agriculture-related courses.
He explained, however, that all affected candidates must still register with JAMB and process their admissions through CAPS.
Alausa said the initiative was designed to improve access to tertiary education, strengthen teacher training, promote interest in agriculture and reduce the number of out-of-school youths.
Highlighting ongoing reforms in the education sector, the minister pointed to the implementation of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, NELFUND, which offers interest-free loans to students for tuition and upkeep.
He described the initiative as a deliberate effort to eliminate financial obstacles limiting access to higher education for qualified Nigerians.
The minister also disclosed that the Federal Government was intensifying efforts to fully digitalise national examinations while integrating artificial intelligence and emerging technologies into tertiary institution curricula to equip students for the modern workforce.
On labour relations in universities, Alausa commended the successful renegotiation of the Federal Government’s agreement with the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, describing the 2025 agreement as a “national turning point”.
According to him, the deal would improve lecturers’ welfare, boost research funding, reduce industrial disputes and ensure stable academic calendars in public universities.
He reaffirmed the government’s resolve to curb examination malpractice through improved verification systems and stronger collaboration among regulatory bodies.
The minister also praised JAMB for leveraging technology to improve the admissions process, noting that the board’s commitment to transparency and data integrity had enhanced educational planning and evidence-based decision-making.
Alausa urged stakeholders at the meeting to prioritise integrity and national interest in their deliberations, stressing that the credibility of the admissions system would shape the future of millions of Nigerian youths.
“We are called upon to build a tertiary education system that is accessible yet rigorous, inclusive yet merit-driven, and innovative yet firmly grounded in accountability and excellence,” he stated.
