FG Retains 16-Year Admission Age, Declares Non-CAPS Admissions Illegal
Nigeria’s Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, has reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to transparency, merit, and accountability in the nation’s tertiary education admission process, declaring that admissions conducted outside the Central Admission Processing System (CAPS) remain illegal.
Speaking at the 2026 Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) policy meeting on admissions into tertiary institutions, the minister said the government would continue to implement reforms aimed at strengthening integrity and expanding access to higher education across the country.
Among the resolutions reached at the meeting, the minister announced that 16 years remains the minimum age for admission into tertiary institutions, while candidates seeking admission into National Certificate in Education (NCE) programmes with at least four credits would no longer be required to sit for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
He, however, explained that such candidates must still register with JAMB for screening and admission processing through CAPS.
The government also retained the minimum admission benchmark of 150 for universities and colleges of nursing, while polytechnics would continue to admit candidates with a minimum score of 100.
Alausa further disclosed that the Federal Government was intensifying efforts to promote inclusive education for persons living with disabilities through improved accessibility and targeted support initiatives.
According to him, the government is also accelerating the deployment of digital technologies, computer-based testing, artificial intelligence, and other emerging technologies within the education sector to improve efficiency and credibility.
The minister noted that verification and supervision mechanisms were being strengthened to decisively curb examination malpractice and ensure strict compliance with admission regulations.
He commended Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board and its Registrar, Ishaq Oloyede, for deploying technology and data-driven systems that have enhanced public trust in Nigeria’s admission process.
Alausa reiterated the Federal Government’s resolve to build a tertiary education system that is accessible, inclusive, globally competitive, and rooted in integrity.
