JAMB will now handle all HND admissions in polytechnics — NBTE

The National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) has announced that the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) will now oversee all Higher National Diploma (HND) admissions in polytechnics and allied institutions. This change was announced in a circular dated September 9, 2026, signed by NBTE Executive Secretary Prof Idris Bugaje.

The decision came after a meeting between Minister of Education Dr Tunji Alausa and various stakeholders, including JAMB, the National Youth Service Corps, NBTE, and the Federal Ministry of Education.

The primary goal of this move is to implement a centralized admission process and prevent illegal and compromised admissions. Bugaje stated that this would ensure a smooth mobilization for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) after HND programs. The Federal Ministry of Education (FME) will soon release further details about the new HND admission guidelines, which will be submitted to JAMB for digital platform implementation.

The guidelines will cover aspects such as the waiting period for ND holders before moving on to HND and exemptions for certain ND health-related programs.

JAMB has assured compliance with the directive, stating that it is a decision made at a higher level and they are obligated to follow it. The board also mentioned that part-time admissions have been capped at 50% of each institution's approved full-time quota. Additionally, NCE/HND combination holders will be required to undergo direct admission into HND programs via JAMB and obtain a valid ND before proceeding.

The NBTE reaffirmed its earlier circular prohibiting the presentation of NCE/HND combinations for NYSC mobilization, with NCE holders being able to gain admission into HND programs only through direct admission via JAMB, after obtaining a valid ND. The minister will review the list of ND agriculture-related programs whose candidates are currently exempted from the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

NBTE will submit a proposal to the Committee of Heads of Nigerian Polytechnics and Similar Institutions, which will provide input on the matter. Any non-compliance with the new regulations will result in regulatory sanctions, including the withdrawal of operational licenses.