The Federal Government has declared that any admission conducted outside the Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS) is illegal, warning tertiary institutions across the country that violations of approved admission procedures will attract sanctions.
The Minister of Education, Maruf Alausa, issued the warning on Monday at the 2026 Policy Meeting on Admissions to Tertiary Institutions held in Abuja, stressing that institutions operating parallel admission processes would no longer be recognised by the government.
He said the integrity of the admissions system remained central to restoring trust in Nigeria’s tertiary education framework, adding that the era of unregulated practices must end.
“Let me reiterate, without equivocation, that admissions conducted outside this framework are illegal and will not be recognised,” Alausa said.
He warned that institutions that continued to bypass the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board’s CAPS platform risked severe consequences.
“The era in which institutions operated parallel admission systems, often to the detriment of deserving candidates, must come to an end,” he added.
The minister further cautioned that the Federal Government would not tolerate any breach of admission regulations, noting that erring institutions would be held accountable.
“I have resisted many attempts at condoning illegality in the admissions process. I will not be a party to such actions.
“Any institution found to have conducted admissions outside the CAPS will be held accountable, and appropriate sanctions shall be applied without hesitation,” he stated.
According to him, heads of institutions in both public and private sectors must be aware that such breaches could attract serious penalties, including regulatory action.
“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,” Alausa warned.
He emphasised that enforcement of the policy was not intended to be punitive but necessary to restore credibility and order in the system.
“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,” he said.
On admission age, the minister announced that the Federal Government had retained 16 years as the minimum age for entry 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 explained that the decision reflected a balance between academic readiness and inclusivity, while noting that exceptional cases would be handled under strict guidelines.
“While we recognise the existence of exceptionally gifted individuals, such cases must be treated within clearly defined and rigorously enforced guidelines,” he added.
Alausa also commended JAMB for improving access for persons with disabilities, including waivers of application fees, describing the initiative as a step toward equity.
“This initiative is not only humane but also a powerful affirmation of our national commitment to equity and equal opportunity,” he said.
He further highlighted reforms in the education sector, including the implementation of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund to remove financial barriers to higher education.
“For decades, financial constraints have constituted a significant barrier for many capable young Nigerians,” he noted.
He said the interest-free loan scheme covering tuition and upkeep was a strategic investment in national development.
On transparency, he insisted that tertiary institutions must publish key operational data, including enrolment figures and financial allocations, to strengthen accountability.
Public universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education must operate with openness that reflects their public mandate,” he said.
Alausa also underscored the government’s push for digitalisation in education, including the adoption of computer-based testing and integration of emerging technologies in curricula.
He described the 2025 agreement with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) as a turning point, aimed at improving welfare, funding, and institutional stability.
“The 2025 Agreement represents a decisive breakthrough in resolving a dispute that had persisted for many years,” he said.
He added that the reforms were designed to ensure uninterrupted academic calendars and restore confidence in public universities.
The minister also warned against examination malpractice, saying stricter verification systems were being introduced to protect the credibility of certificates.
“The credibility of our certificates depends on the integrity of the processes through which they are earned,” he said.
Alausa urged stakeholders to prioritise implementation over policy announcements, stressing that reforms would only succeed through execution.
“For too long, our sector has been characterised by well-articulated policies that fail to translate into tangible outcomes,” he said.
He called on participants at the policy meeting to uphold integrity, noting that the future of millions of Nigerian students depended on fair and efficient admissions processes.
“The decisions we take here will have far-reaching implications for millions of young Nigerians,” he said.
The minister reiterated the government’s commitment to building a tertiary education system that is inclusive, merit-driven, and globally competitive, before formally declaring the meeting open.
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