NBTE Transfers HND Admissions to JAMB, Threatens Licence Withdrawal

The National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) has ordered polytechnics, allied institutions, colleges of nursing sciences and colleges of health technology to transfer the responsibility for Higher National Diploma (HND) admissions to the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), in a move aimed at tightening control over admissions and eliminating irregular enrolment. The new arrangement, which takes effect from the current admission session, will place HND admissions under a centralised system managed by JAMB. The NBTE said the measure was necessary to tackle what it described as “illegal and compromised admissions” and to prevent situations in which graduates encounter difficulties securing mobilisation for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC). The directive was contained in a circular dated September 9, 2026, signed by the NBTE Executive Secretary, Prof. Idris Bugaje, and addressed to rectors and provosts of the affected institutions. The decision followed a meeting between the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, and representatives of key government agencies, including JAMB, the National Youth Service Corps, the NBTE and the Federal Ministry of Education. According to the circular, the centralisation of HND admissions is expected to create a more transparent admission process while ensuring that candidates are admitted into recognised programmes and within the approved carrying capacity of individual institutions. The NBTE stated: “All HND admissions in all institutions shall, from this session, be taken over by JAMB to provide a centralised process and avoid illegal and compromised admissions, jeopardising students’ mobilisation for NYSC after HND.” The board added that the Federal Ministry of Education would issue a further statement on the policy, including additional details on its implementation. JAMB has also indicated its readiness to implement the directive. Reacting to the development, JAMB’s Head of Media and Information, Fabian Benjamin, said the examination and admissions body would comply with the government’s directive. “It’s a directive from above and ours is to comply to ensure that the good intentions of the government are achieved,” Benjamin said. The NBTE said it would immediately begin work on comprehensive HND admission guidelines, which would be submitted to JAMB to support the development of the digital platform that will be used to process the admissions. The guidelines are expected to address key issues, including the waiting period for National Diploma (ND) holders before they can proceed to HND programmes, as well as possible exemptions for some ND health-related programmes. Part-Time Admissions Capped at 50 Per Cent The latest directive also affects part-time admissions. With all part-time ND admissions now placed under JAMB, the NBTE said the number of part-time students admitted by an institution would be limited to 50 per cent of its approved full-time quota. The measure is part of the board’s broader effort to bring admissions within clearly defined regulatory limits and prevent institutions from exceeding their approved capacities. The NBTE also reaffirmed an earlier directive issued on September 7 prohibiting the presentation of candidates holding a combination of NCE and HND qualifications for NYSC mobilisation. Under the new arrangement, holders of the Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) who wish to pursue HND programmes must first obtain a valid ND qualification. Such candidates may gain admission into HND programmes only through what the NBTE described as “direct admission” via JAMB. The board further clarified that, in such cases, only the ND and HND certificates would be recognised for the purpose of NYSC mobilisation. Review of UTME Exemptions The admission reforms will also extend to candidates seeking admission into agriculture-related programmes. The NBTE said the Minister of Education would review the existing list of ND agriculture-related programmes whose applicants are exempted from taking the written Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). The review is expected to determine whether additional programmes should be granted similar exemptions. The NBTE has been directed to make a formal submission on the matter, while the Committee of Heads of Nigerian Polytechnics and Similar Institutions is expected to contribute to the review process. Institutions Face Severe Sanctions The board warned the affected institutions against violating the new admission rules, stressing that rectors and provosts would be held responsible for ensuring strict compliance. According to the circular, institutions that breach the directives could face “appropriate regulatory sanctions, including withdrawal of operational licence.” The warning signals a tougher regulatory approach by the NBTE, particularly against institutions that admit students outside approved programmes, quotas or established admission procedures. The board said the centralised system would also make it easier to identify institutions and programmes operating outside regulatory approval. “With digitisation, there shall be no hiding place for illegal admissions,” the NBTE said. Meanwhile, Bugaje disclosed that the Minister of Education had approved the resolution of all outstanding cases involving legally admitted ND part-time and HND full-time candidates. The move, according to the NBTE, is intended to ensure that affected students are mobilised for NYSC as soon as possible, in line with the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda. The latest policy therefore represents a significant shift in the administration of technical and vocational higher education admissions, placing JAMB at the centre of the process for both ND part-time and HND admissions. By moving the process onto a centralised digital platform, the NBTE said the government hopes to strengthen admission integrity, restrict enrolment to accredited programmes, ensure compliance with approved carrying capacities and reduce the irregular admissions that have previously created complications for students seeking NYSC mobilisation after graduation. Educational circulars and regional reports monitored via Brand Icon Image - Latest Brand, Tech And Business indicate that this update reflects broader ongoing developments within India's schools & boards framework. Educational leaders and school administrations are reviewing operational workflows to ensure complete adherence to prescribed standards. Consultants and academic advisors recommend that families and students review official circulars closely. Staying informed about curriculum guidelines, admission windows, and examination schedules ensures seamless transitions and academic clarity. Institutional administration desks will issue subsequent stage-wise updates and documentation requirements as the academic timeline unfolds.