The Federal Government has declared that any admission carried out outside the Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS) is illegal, warning tertiary institutions nationwide that breaches of approved procedures will attract sanctions, including possible regulatory action.
The Minister of Education, Maruf Alausa, issued the warning on Monday at the 2026 Policy Meeting on Admissions to Tertiary Institutions in Abuja, saying institutions running parallel admission processes would no longer be recognised by the government.
He stressed that restoring credibility to Nigeria’s tertiary education system depends on strict compliance with existing rules, adding that unregulated admission 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 bypassing the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) CAPS platform would face serious consequences.
“The era in which institutions operated parallel admission systems, often to the detriment of deserving candidates, must come to an end,” he added.
Alausa further cautioned that the Federal Government would not hesitate to sanction erring institutions, insisting that enforcement would be applied consistently.
“I have resisted many attempts at condoning illegality in the admissions process. I will not be a party to such actions,” he said.
“Any institution found to have conducted admissions outside CAPS will be held accountable, and appropriate sanctions shall be applied without hesitation.”
He noted that heads of institutions in both public and private sectors risk penalties, including suspension of operating licences or other regulatory measures where necessary.
According to him, enforcement is aimed at restoring order and credibility rather than punishment.
“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 16 years remains the minimum entry age for tertiary education, following policy reviews and consultations.
He said the policy balances academic readiness with inclusivity, while noting that exceptional cases would be handled under strict guidelines.
Alausa also commended the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) for reforms improving access for persons with disabilities, including fee waivers for applications, describing it as a step toward equity.
He highlighted broader reforms in the education sector, including the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, designed to ease financial barriers to higher education through interest-free loans covering tuition and upkeep.
On accountability, he insisted that tertiary institutions must publish key operational data such as enrolment figures and funding allocations to strengthen transparency.
He also emphasised ongoing digital reforms, including computer-based testing and the integration of emerging technologies into the education system.
Alausa described the 2025 agreement with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) as a major milestone aimed at improving welfare, funding, and institutional stability.
He warned against examination malpractice, saying stricter verification systems are being introduced to safeguard the integrity of academic certificates.
“The credibility of our certificates depends on the integrity of the processes through which they are earned,” he said.
The minister urged stakeholders to focus on implementation rather than policy formulation alone, stressing that reforms must translate into measurable outcomes.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to building an inclusive, merit-driven, and globally competitive tertiary education system before declaring the meeting open.
