Has JAMB Been Scrapped by FG? All You Need to Know. In response to widespread speculation and confusion, the Federal Government has clarified that the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has not been scrapped. Contrary to viral claims, JAMB remains the central body responsible for conducting the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), which continues to serve as the primary gateway into Nigerian universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.
However, recent reforms introduced by the government have expanded the admission framework, allowing institutions greater autonomy in selecting students. These changes include the option for schools to admit candidates based solely on their O’Level results, without necessarily relying on UTME scores. This move is part of a broader strategy to make tertiary education more accessible and inclusive, especially for students who may face challenges with standardized testing.
The reforms also address subject requirements, notably removing Mathematics as a compulsory subject for Arts students. Institutions now have the liberty to determine their preferred admission criteria, provided they align with national standards. While this flexibility is welcomed by many, education stakeholders emphasize that JAMB’s role remains vital and irreplaceable in maintaining a unified admission process across the country.
Below is a comprehensive breakdown of the updated national guidelines for entry into various categories of tertiary institutions:
National Guidelines for Entry into Tertiary Institutions
1. University Education
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Minimum Credits | Five (5) credit passes in relevant subjects at O’Level (WASSCE, SSCE or equivalent) |
| Sitting Limit | Not more than two (2) sittings |
| Mandatory Subjects | English Language for all courses; Mathematics for Science, Technology, and Social Science courses |
2. Polytechnic Education
A. HND or Degree Programmes
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Minimum Credits | Five (5) credit passes in relevant subjects |
| Sitting Limit | Not more than two (2) sittings |
| Mandatory Subjects | English Language for all courses; Mathematics for Science, Technology, and Social Science courses |
B. ND Programmes
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Minimum Credits | Four (4) credit passes in relevant subjects |
| Sitting Limit | Not more than two (2) sittings |
| Mandatory Subjects | English Language for Non-Science courses; Mathematics for Science, Technology, Vocational, and Technical courses |
3. Colleges of Education
A. Degree Programmes (B.Ed)
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Minimum Credits | Five (5) credit passes in relevant subjects |
| Sitting Limit | Not more than two (2) sittings |
| Mandatory Subjects | English Language for all courses; Mathematics for Science, Technology, and Social Science courses |
B. NCE Programmes
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Minimum Credits | Four (4) credit passes in relevant subjects |
| Sitting Limit | Not more than two (2) sittings |
| Mandatory Subjects | English Language for Arts and Social Science courses; Mathematics for Science, Vocational, and Technical Education courses |
4. Innovation Enterprise Institutions (IEIs)
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Entry Level | Same as ND programmes in Polytechnics |
| Update | National Innovation Diploma (NID) programme has been abolished in all IEIs |
What This Means for Students
These reforms are designed to reduce barriers to higher education and empower institutions to tailor their admission processes to suit their academic goals. Students now have multiple pathways to gain admission, whether through JAMB or direct entry based on O’Level performance. However, it’s crucial for prospective candidates to stay informed and consult their preferred institutions for specific requirements.