The Federal Government has declared that any admission conducted outside the Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS) is illegal and has warned tertiary institutions of strict sanctions for violations.
Minister Issues Strong Warning
Minister of Education, Maruf Alausa, issued the warning on Monday, May 11, 2026, during the Policy Meeting on Admissions to Tertiary Institutions in Abuja. He stressed that institutions running parallel admission processes would no longer be recognised by the government.
"Let me reiterate, without equivocation, that admissions conducted outside this framework are illegal and will not be recognised," Alausa said.
Sanctions for Violations
The minister warned that institutions bypassing the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) 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.
Heads of institutions in both public and private sectors were cautioned that breaches could attract serious penalties, including suspension of operating licences.
Minimum Admission Age Retained
Alausa confirmed that the Federal Government has 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. Exceptional cases of gifted individuals will be handled under strict guidelines.
Support for Persons with Disabilities
The minister commended JAMB for waiving application fees for persons with disabilities, 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.
Alausa also highlighted the implementation of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, designed to remove financial barriers to higher education. The interest-free loan scheme covers tuition and upkeep, which he described as a strategic investment in national development.
Transparency and Digitalisation
The minister insisted that tertiary institutions must publish operational data, including enrolment figures and financial allocations, to strengthen accountability. He also underscored the government's push for digitalisation in education, including computer-based testing and integration of emerging technologies.
Alausa referred to the 2025 Agreement with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) as a turning point in improving welfare, funding, and institutional stability. He said the reforms were designed to ensure uninterrupted academic calendars and restore confidence in public universities.
Examination Integrity
The minister warned against examination malpractice, noting that 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.
Call for Implementation
Alausa urged stakeholders to prioritise execution over policy announcements. "For too long, our sector has been characterised by well-articulated policies that fail to translate into tangible outcomes," he said.
He concluded by reaffirming the government's commitment to building a tertiary education system that is inclusive, merit-driven, and globally competitive.
