Dare Babalola
The Federal Government has declared that all tertiary admissions conducted outside the Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS) are null and void, warning that any institution found violating the approved procedure will face disciplinary measures.
The Minister of Education, Maruf Alausa, gave the warning on Monday during the 2026 Policy Meeting on Admissions into Tertiary Institutions held in Abuja, where he stressed that all universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education must strictly comply with JAMB’s admission platform.
Alausa stated that institutions operating parallel or unofficial admission channels would no longer have their admissions recognised by the Federal Government, describing such practices as a threat to transparency and fairness in the education sector.
He insisted that adherence to CAPS was essential to restore credibility to the system and protect the rights of qualified candidates.
According to him, any school that bypasses the established process would be held accountable, with sanctions to be applied where necessary.
“Let me state clearly that any admission carried out outside the approved Central Admissions Processing System will not be recognised by the Federal Government. Institutions that engage in such practices are acting illegally.
“The era of parallel and unauthorised admission exercises must end. Any institution found culpable will face appropriate sanctions, including regulatory penalties where applicable,” the minister said.
The minister further warned that institutions—whether public or private—risk regulatory action, including suspension of licences, if found guilty of violating admission guidelines.
He noted that the government’s enforcement drive was not intended as punishment but as a corrective measure to ensure order, fairness, and accountability in tertiary education admissions.
On age requirement, Alausa confirmed that the Federal Government has retained 16 years as the minimum age for admission into tertiary institutions across the country.
He explained that the decision followed consultations and policy reviews aimed at balancing academic readiness with inclusiveness, while allowing limited exceptions under strict regulatory conditions for exceptionally gifted candidates.
The minister also commended the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) for expanding access to persons with disabilities, including application fee waivers, describing the initiative as a commitment to equal opportunity.
Alausa highlighted ongoing reforms in the education sector, including the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, which he said was designed to remove financial barriers and support students through interest-free loans covering tuition and upkeep.
He further stressed the need for transparency in tertiary institutions, directing them to regularly publish key data such as enrolment figures and financial reports in line with their public responsibilities.
The minister also urged institutions to embrace digital transformation, including computer-based testing and modern learning technologies, to strengthen the education system.
He referenced the 2025 agreement with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU), describing it as a major step toward improving welfare, stabilising academic calendars, and resolving long-standing disputes in the sector.
Alausa additionally warned against examination malpractice, noting that stricter verification systems were being introduced to protect the credibility of Nigerian certificates.
He called on stakeholders to focus on implementation rather than policy declarations, stressing that reforms would only succeed if fully enforced.
The minister concluded by urging participants at the policy meeting to uphold integrity, adding that decisions taken would shape the future of millions of Nigerian students, before officially declaring the session open.
