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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The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has announced that candidates seeking admission into Education programmes and Agriculture-related non-engineering courses in College of Education and Polytechnics will no longer be required to sit for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination.

The board disclosed this in a post shared on its official X handle on Monday during its ongoing policy meeting on admissions.

“Candidates seeking admissions into Education Programmes and Agriculture non-Engineering Courses are now exempted from UTME,” the board stated.

At the 2026 Policy Meeting on Admissions to Tertiary Institutions held in Abuja, Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, announced that candidates seeking admission into National Certificate in Education programmes would no longer be required to sit the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination if they possess the required qualifications.

Alausa declared, “Candidates seeking admission into the NCE programme, who possess a minimum of four credit passes, will no longer be required to sit for the UTME.”

He, however, stressed that such candidates must still register with the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board.

“However, it is imperative to emphasise that such candidates shall mandatorily register with JAMB, and their credentials shall be duly screened, verified, and certified for the issuance of admission letters through CAPS, in accordance with extant regulations,” the minister stated.

Alausa said the exemption would also apply to candidates seeking admission into National Diploma programmes in non-technology agricultural and agriculture-related courses.

Alausa noted, “This exemption shall extend to candidates seeking admission into National Diploma programmes in non-technology agricultural and agriculture-related courses.”

According to him, the policy is aimed at expanding access to tertiary education while maintaining admission standards.

“This approach strikes a necessary balance between widening access and preserving the integrity of our admission system.

“It will not only ease the pressure associated with UTME but also encourage greater participation in teacher education and agricultural programmes, both of which are critical to national development,” he added

The development marks a significant shift in Nigeria’s tertiary admission process, as the UTME has traditionally served as the standard entrance examination for admission into universities, polytechnics and colleges of education across the country.

The annual policy meeting organised by JAMB is usually convened to determine admission guidelines, including cut-off marks and other procedures for tertiary institutions.

The move is expected to affect candidates seeking admission into education-related courses and agriculture programmes outside engineering disciplines, potentially creating alternative admission pathways through institutional screening and other qualifications.

In recent years, courses in Education and Agriculture have generally attracted lower cut-off marks compared to highly competitive programmes such as Medicine, Law and Engineering.

PUNCH Online had earlier reported that JAMB was expected to decide the 2026 UTME cut-off marks during Monday’s policy meeting.

The Federal Government has introduced stringent new measures to combat drug and substance abuse in secondary schools, including mandatory drug testing for students and temporary suspension for those who repeatedly test positive after undergoing treatment and rehabilitation procedures.

Under the new policy, all newly admitted students in secondary schools will be subjected to compulsory drug integrity tests at the point of entry.

The measures are contained in the National Implementation Guidelines Against Drug and Substance Use in Schools in Nigeria for secondary schools, details of which were obtained by our correspondent.

The guideline outlines a comprehensive framework aimed at reducing the growing prevalence of substance abuse among students and creating safer learning environments across schools nationwide.

According to the document, the policy is designed to “create a conducive environment for teaching and learning in the institutions by reducing the negative effect substance abuse has on the mental health and academic performance of students/learners.”

The guideline states that “all new students/learners shall be subjected to drug tests and other measures approved by the schools/learning centres at the point of entry,” adding that the process must be carried out “in collaboration with approved federal/state health facilities and procedures.”

In addition to entry-level screening, schools are expected to conduct periodic and impromptu drug tests for both new and returning students at least once every academic session.

The document further provides that “all students/learners shall undergo periodic drug tests as recommended by appropriate authorities.”

It prohibits students from using or possessing narcotic drugs, controlled substances or other drugs of abuse without authorisation from school authorities, stating that “all students/learners are prohibited from using or being in possession of narcotic drugs, controlled drugs or substances of abuse without approval from the school authority.”

However, it notes that students requiring controlled medication for medical conditions must declare such medications through their parents or guardians during admission.

The policy establishes a three-stage testing and intervention process for students who test positive.

According to the guideline, “the aim is to identify students who may need help and to promote a safe and healthy school environment.”

Students who fail the first test will undergo counselling and initial treatment as determined by school authorities.

The document explains that “persons found to be positive to drugs shall undergo the initial intervention and treatment, which shall include counselling as might be found appropriate by the school authority.”

Those who test positive a second time will be referred to professionals for further treatment and specialised attention.

The guideline further states that “if found positive again, such a student shall be referred to a professional by the school authority to take appropriate treatment and attention that might be required.”

For students who continue to test positive after a third round of testing and intervention, the policy provides that they may be temporarily suspended from the school environment.

It states that “if found to be positive again, such a student shall be temporarily suspended from the school environment to take treatment from a professional and undergo rehabilitation that might be found appropriate by the professional.”

The policy also introduces mandatory pre-test and post-test counselling for students undergoing screening.

According to the document, “pre-test counselling is the guidance given before a person undergoes a drug integrity test. It aims to prepare the individual, clarify expectations, reduce anxiety, encourage cooperation and build trust.”

It adds that “post-test counselling happens after results are available, regardless of whether the test is positive or negative. The goal is to support the individual to accept the result and link them to the right help.”

To enforce compliance, every school is expected to establish a disciplinary committee headed by the school administrator with clearly defined responsibilities.

The document further directs that violent incidents linked to substance abuse, including fighting or inflicting injuries, “shall be reported to the law enforcement agents.”

It also warns that students who refuse to comply with prescribed treatment or rehabilitation procedures will be temporarily separated from the school environment “until he/she is found to be stable.”

The development comes amid growing concerns over increasing cases of drug and substance abuse among adolescents in Nigeria, with education and health stakeholders warning about its impact on academic performance, discipline, mental health and security within schools.

While supporters argue that the measures could help curb substance abuse among students, critics are expected to raise concerns over implementation capacity, student welfare protections and the readiness of schools and health facilities to effectively implement the policy nationwide.

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