Welcome

Tag: Education

  • FG Unveils New Education Policy For Out-Of-School Children, Adults

    The Federal Government has unveiled a new National Policy on Alternative Learning Pathways aimed at expanding access to education for out-of-school children, youths and adults across Nigeria.

    The development was disclosed in Abuja by John Edeh, Director of Literacy and Development at the National Commission for Mass Literacy, Adult and Non-Formal Education (NMEC).

    FG Targets Out-Of-School Crisis

    According to Edeh, the policy was recently unveiled by Tunji Alausa as part of efforts to address long-standing gaps within Nigeria’s non-formal education system.

    He explained that the initiative is designed to improve certification processes and create flexible learning pathways that would allow beneficiaries to transition into higher education or vocational opportunities.

    “The whole vision is to address the large number of out-of-school youth and children significantly,” he said.

    Faster Learning Structure Introduced

    Edeh noted that the policy would compress learning duration for beneficiaries who missed formal education.

    According to him, individuals can now complete equivalent educational programmes within three to four years instead of spending more than a decade in the conventional school system.

    He added that the programme is expected to help mainstream learners into formal educational structures more easily.

    FG Links Education To Security

    The NMEC official further stated that the policy would not only provide access to education but also help tackle unemployment, insecurity, banditry and other social problems linked to illiteracy.

    “It will also ensure that the people are not only provided with education, but also empower them to reduce unemployment, insecurity, banditry and all forms of vices in the country,” he said.

    Edeh disclosed that the policy is already operational and urged stakeholders in the literacy and non-formal education sector to ensure strict compliance with its provisions.

  • FG dismisses ‘Japa’ education crisis claims, says fewer Nigerians now study abroad

    The Federal Government has dismissed claims that Nigeria currently ranks among countries with the highest number of students studying abroad, insisting that reforms in the education sector are beginning to reverse the trend.

    Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, stated this during an interview on Channels Television on Tuesday while reacting to reports about Nigeria’s outbound student migration.

    Minister rejects 2023 data

    The programme presenter had referenced 2023 data showing that Nigeria ranked third globally in outbound student mobility, accounting for about five per cent of students studying outside their home countries.

    However, Alausa dismissed the figures as outdated and no longer reflective of the current reality in Nigeria’s education sector.

    “That’s not Japa. And please, qualify your data. Thank God you told me it was 2023 figure,” he said.

    According to the minister, 2023 represented a difficult period for Nigerian universities due to prolonged academic disruptions and underinvestment in tertiary education.

    ‘Things have changed’

    Alausa said conditions in Nigerian universities have improved significantly under the current administration.

    “2023 was when we came in. There was no academic continuity. They had the kind of extensive investment you’ve made in a tertiary education that wasn’t there,” he stated.

    The minister revealed that the Ministry of Education had been monitoring outbound student movement through its educational support services department.

    According to him, the government has observed what he described as a “precipitous drop” in the number of Nigerian students leaving the country for studies abroad.

    “We’ve seen precipitous drop in those number of student going out. Our tertiary institutions are better now. We have academic continuity, academic session continuity,” he said.

    FG cites rising confidence in local institutions

    Alausa pointed to programmes like the Joint Universities Preliminary Examinations Board (JUPEB), Nigeria’s equivalent of British A-levels, as evidence of growing confidence in local education.

    He explained that many students who previously travelled abroad for similar programmes are now enrolling within Nigeria instead.

    The minister also referenced institutions like the University of Lagos law programme, claiming that some schools now receive more applications than available admission slots.

    “Kids are staying there. The quality of education is significantly better. If you now compare the 2023 data with 2024 and 2025 and see the precipitous drop of Nigeria going out,” he added.

  • Ekiti-Born Candidate Tops 2026 UTME With 372, Targets Medicine at UNILAG

    An Ekiti-born candidate, Owoeye Jesudunsin, has emerged as the highest scorer in the 2026 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) after scoring 372 out of 400.

    The announcement was made by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board during its 2026 Policy Meeting on Admissions to Tertiary Institutions held in Abuja on Monday.

    UNILAG medicine applicant leads 2026 ranking

    According to JAMB Registrar, Ishaq Oloyede, Jesudunsin, who sat for the examination in Ogun State, applied to study Medicine and Surgery at University of Lagos.

    Her score of 372 places her at the top of the national ranking for the 2026 UTME exercise.

    The result is slightly below the highest score recorded in 2025, when Anambra-born Chinedu Okeke scored 375.

    Computer science and software engineering dominate top choices

    Ikenna Enwere from Imo State emerged second on the list after scoring 370.

    He selected Nile University as his first-choice institution and intends to study Computer Science.

    Closely behind him was Ayomide Bamisile from Ondo State, who scored 369.

    Bamisile applied to study Software Engineering at Federal University of Technology Akure.

    JAMB releases top scorers list

    The examination body released the list of the highest-performing candidates during the policy meeting attended by education stakeholders and tertiary institution heads.

    The development comes amid wider reforms in Nigeria’s admission process, including new policies announced by JAMB and the Federal Ministry of Education for the 2026/2027 academic session.

  • FG Introduces Compulsory Drug Tests for Secondary School Students

    The Federal Government has announced compulsory drug tests for newly admitted and returning students in secondary schools across Nigeria.

    The policy was contained in the newly released National Implementation Guidelines Against Drug and Substance Use in Schools in Nigeria for secondary schools.

    FG Targets Rising Drug Abuse Among Students

    According to the government, the policy is aimed at reducing the growing cases of drug and substance abuse among adolescents in the country.

    Officials said the initiative would help create a safer and healthier learning environment while improving students’ academic performance and mental health.

    The compulsory drug test policy Nigeria has already sparked conversations in latest Nigerian education news and public health discussions.

    New Students to Undergo Mandatory Drug Screening

    Under the new guidelines, all newly admitted secondary school students will be required to undergo drug tests before gaining full admission into schools.

    “All new students/learners shall be subjected to drug tests and other measures approved by the schools/learning centres at the point of entry,” the document stated.

    The policy also directed schools to conduct periodic drug screenings for returning students at least once every academic session.

    Students Barred From Possessing Illegal Substances

    The government further warned students against possession or use of narcotic drugs and other controlled substances without approval from school authorities.

    “All students/learners are prohibited from using or being in possession of narcotic drugs, controlled drugs or substances of abuse without approval from the school authority,” the guideline added.

    The Nigeria school drug test policy has continued trending in breaking news Nigeria today amid growing concerns over youth substance abuse.

    FG Introduces Three-Stage Intervention Process

    The policy established a three-stage testing, counselling, and rehabilitation process for students who test positive to drug use.

    According to the guidelines, students who test positive during the first screening will undergo counselling and treatment approved by school authorities.

    If a student tests positive again, the school will refer the individual to professionals for further treatment and support.

    After a third positive result, the student may be temporarily suspended from school to undergo rehabilitation and professional care.

    Counselling Now Mandatory Before, After Tests

    The Federal Government also introduced compulsory pre-test and post-test counselling for students undergoing drug screening.

    The guidelines explained that pre-test counselling is meant to reduce anxiety, clarify expectations, and encourage cooperation among students.

    Meanwhile, post-test counselling is expected to help students understand their results and access appropriate support where necessary.

    Schools Directed to Set Up Disciplinary Committees

    The policy mandates every secondary school to establish disciplinary committees to enforce compliance with the guidelines.

    It also directed schools to report violent incidents linked to substance abuse to law enforcement agencies where necessary.

    Students who refuse treatment or rehabilitation procedures may also face temporary suspension until they are considered stable enough to return to school.

  • FG Retains 16 Years as Minimum Admission Age for Tertiary Institutions

    The Federal Government has maintained 16 years as the minimum age requirement for admission into tertiary institutions across Nigeria.

    Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, announced the decision on Monday during the 2026 policy meeting on admissions held in Abuja.

    FG Explains Why 16 Remains Admission Age

    According to the minister, the decision followed extensive consultations and policy reviews involving education stakeholders and government officials.

    Alausa stated that the policy was designed to balance inclusivity with academic readiness among students seeking tertiary education admission.

    “Following extensive consultations and policy reviews, government has maintained sixteen years as the minimum age for admission into tertiary institutions,” he said.

    The minimum admission age Nigeria decision has continued generating reactions in latest Nigerian education news.

    Exceptionally Gifted Children to Follow Strict Guidelines

    The minister acknowledged that exceptionally gifted children exist but insisted that such cases must be handled carefully under strict guidelines.

    He explained that the government intends to protect the credibility and integrity of Nigeria’s admission system.

    “While we recognise the existence of exceptionally gifted individuals, such cases must be treated within clearly defined and rigorously enforced guidelines,” Alausa added.

    FG Warns Institutions Against Illegal Admissions

    The minister also warned tertiary institutions against conducting admissions outside the Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS) managed by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).

    According to him, admissions conducted outside the approved JAMB platform would be considered illegal and would not be recognised by the Federal Government.

    The JAMB CAPS admission warning has become one of the major talking points in breaking news Nigeria today as institutions prepare for the new admission cycle.

    Institutions Risk Sanctions, Licence Withdrawal

    Alausa stressed that institutions violating admission procedures could face severe sanctions, including suspension or withdrawal of operating licences.

    “I have resisted many attempts at condoning illegality in the admissions process. I will not be a party to such actions,” the minister stated.

    He added that the Federal Government would continue enforcing compliance to restore credibility and order within Nigeria’s tertiary education system.

    FG Pushes Digitalisation of National Examinations

    The minister further disclosed that the government is intensifying efforts toward digitalisation in the education sector.

    According to him, computer-based testing and digital competency systems are now unavoidable realities in national examinations.

    He also revealed that the Federal Government had strengthened efforts to tackle examination malpractice through improved verification systems and stricter supervision.

  • JAMB Fixes 150 Cut-Off Mark for University Admissions in 2026/27 Session

    The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has approved 150 as the minimum cut-off mark for admission into Nigerian universities for the 2026/27 academic session.

    The decision was announced on Monday during JAMB’s annual policy meeting held in Abuja.

    Vice-Chancellors Approve New UTME Benchmark

    According to JAMB, the cut-off mark was agreed upon after vice-chancellors and stakeholders voted during the meeting.

    The gathering was attended by the Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, alongside heads of tertiary institutions and other education stakeholders.

    Under the new arrangement, universities across Nigeria are expected to admit candidates who score a minimum of 150 in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).

    The JAMB cut-off mark 2026 announcement has already generated widespread reactions in latest Nigerian education news.

    Polytechnics, Nursing Colleges Get Different Benchmarks

    JAMB also approved 150 as the minimum admissible score for Colleges of Nursing across the country.

    Meanwhile, polytechnics were cleared to admit candidates with a minimum UTME score of 100.

    The examination body explained that the approved benchmarks represent only the minimum national requirement for admissions.

    However, institutions are still permitted to set higher cut-off marks depending on the competitiveness of their courses and programmes.

    Competitive Courses Expected to Demand Higher Scores

    Over the years, universities offering highly competitive courses such as Medicine, Law, Pharmacy, and Engineering have maintained admission requirements significantly above JAMB’s minimum benchmark.

    Education stakeholders expect the same trend to continue for the 2026/27 admission cycle.

    The latest JAMB admission policy has continued trending in breaking news Nigeria today as students and parents react to the new benchmarks.

    JAMB Speaks on Admission Reforms

    The board stated that the cut-off marks were approved after extensive deliberations aimed at balancing access to tertiary education with the need to maintain academic standards.

    The announcement also comes amid ongoing reforms in Nigeria’s education sector, including recent decisions affecting admission processes for candidates applying to education and agriculture-related programmes.

    Candidates seeking admission into tertiary institutions for the 2026/27 academic session are expected to begin processing their applications based on the newly approved guidelines.

  • KWASU Discontinues HND Top-Up Conversion Programme From 2025/2026 Session

    Kwara State University (KWASU), Malete, has announced the discontinuation of its Top-Up/HND Conversion programme, effective from the 2025/2026 academic session.

    The decision marks a significant shift in the university’s academic structure and affects both current and prospective applicants of the programme.

    KWASU Announces Policy Shift in Line With NUC Directive

    In a statement released on Monday, the university said the move was taken in full compliance with regulations issued by the National Universities Commission (NUC).

    “The university will discontinue its Top Up/HND Conversion programme from the 2025/2026 academic session,” the statement read.

    The KWASU HND conversion programme has been widely used by Higher National Diploma holders seeking to upgrade to Bachelor’s degree qualifications.

    NUC Expected to Issue Further Guidelines on Existing Students

    The university further disclosed that the NUC would provide additional directives on the status of students already enrolled in the programme.

    According to KWASU, the regulatory body is expected to clarify how ongoing students will be treated following the discontinuation.

    The development has continued to draw attention in latest Nigerian education news as reforms in tertiary institutions intensify across the country.

    KWASU Reaffirms Commitment to NUC Regulations

    KWASU reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining academic standards and complying fully with policies set by the NUC.

    The statement was signed by the institution’s Registrar, Dr. Kikelomo W. Sallee.

    The university also advised affected students and prospective candidates to await further communication regarding alternative academic pathways.

    Background to HND Top-Up Programme

    The Top-Up and HND conversion programme was introduced to bridge the gap between HND and university degrees, allowing graduates of polytechnics to upgrade their qualifications.

    However, regulatory adjustments by the NUC have led to a review of several academic programmes across Nigerian universities in recent years.

    The KWASU HND conversion discontinuation has now joined ongoing discussions in breaking news Nigeria today surrounding higher education reforms.

  • FG Removes UTME Requirement for NCE Admissions in Colleges of Education

    The Federal Government has scrapped the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) requirement for candidates seeking admission into Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) programmes across colleges of education.

    The announcement was made on Monday during the 2026 JAMB policy meeting held in Abuja.

    Alausa Announces New Admission Guidelines

    Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, disclosed that under the new policy, prospective NCE candidates will no longer be required to sit for UTME before gaining admission.

    Instead, applicants will now only need a minimum of four O-level credit passes in relevant subjects to qualify for entry into colleges of education.

    The education reform move has already begun generating reactions in latest Nigerian education news over its potential impact on access to teacher training institutions.

    Government Explains Reason for Policy Change

    According to the minister, the decision is aimed at reducing the administrative workload on the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) and simplifying the admission process.

    He noted that the reform is part of broader efforts to improve access to tertiary education and encourage more students to pursue teaching careers in Nigeria.

    The Federal Government education policy shift is expected to affect admission processes in colleges of education nationwide.

    What the New Admission Policy Means for Candidates

    Under the revised guidelines, candidates applying for NCE programmes will no longer go through the UTME screening process handled by JAMB.

    Education stakeholders say the change could increase enrolment into colleges of education, especially among students who previously struggled with UTME requirements.

    The development has continued to trend in breaking news Nigeria today as reforms in the education sector gain national attention.

    Education Sector Reform Gains Momentum

    The Ministry of Education has in recent months introduced several reforms aimed at restructuring admission pathways across tertiary institutions.

    Officials say the latest policy is expected to ease pressure on examination bodies while expanding opportunities for students interested in teaching professions.

  • FG Unveils ₦250bn Hostel Expansion Plan Across 50 Tertiary Institutions

    The Federal Government has unveiled a major intervention plan worth over ₦250 billion to address the growing accommodation crisis in Nigeria’s tertiary institutions.

    Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, disclosed the development in Abuja on Wednesday during the inauguration of governing boards, rectors and principal officers of several federal education agencies and institutions.

    FG targets hostel shortages nationwide

    Alausa said the intervention, approved under President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, would support the construction and expansion of hostel facilities across federal tertiary institutions.

    According to him, at least 50 institutions will receive ₦2 billion each to build student hostels with a minimum capacity of 500 bed spaces per project.

    “We are spending ₦2 billion each to build hostel accommodation in at least 50 tertiary institutions,” the minister said.

    “The ₦2 billion will deliver 500 bed spaces to each of these institutions. These funds have been mobilised via TETFund.”

    He described the initiative as the largest single-year investment in student accommodation infrastructure in Nigeria’s history.

    Additional ₦80bn planned through PPP

    The minister further disclosed that another ₦80 billion would be invested through Public Private Partnerships across 24 federal tertiary institutions.

    According to him, the arrangement will provide between 1,200 and 1,500 bed spaces per institution.

    “TETFund will come up with one billion in counterpart funding and the rest will come up with three billion. So, total four billion per institution,” he explained.

    The projects are expected to ease pressure on existing hostel facilities and improve student welfare nationwide.

    Alausa charges education leaders

    Speaking during the inauguration ceremony, Alausa urged the newly appointed board members and institutional heads to prioritise transparency, accountability and innovation.

    He said the government’s education reforms are focused on expanding access, improving quality, integrating technology and aligning education with national development goals.

    “I urge you to lead with vision, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to excellence,” he said.

    “Your mandate is clear, build strong academic programmes, invest in faculty development, promote impactful and solution-oriented research, ensure student welfare, and foster strategic partnerships.”

    New appointments announced

    Among those inaugurated were Professor Babatunde Salako as Chairman of the Governing Board of the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), Professor Modupe Adelabu as Chairman of the Governing Board of the National Examinations Council (NECO), and Shofoyeke David as Executive Secretary of the National Institute for Educational Planning and Administration.

    Others include Dr Bongfa Bonfa as Rector of Federal Polytechnic Nyak-Shendam, Plateau State, and Professor Tijani Kalli as Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Agriculture and Entrepreneurship, Bama.

  • FG Bans Honorary Degree Holders from Using ‘Dr’ Title Nationwide

    The Federal Government has prohibited recipients of honorary degrees from using the title “Dr” in any official, academic or professional setting across Nigeria.

    Minister of Education, Tunji Alausa, announced the directive on Wednesday after the Federal Executive Council meeting at the Presidential Villa in Abuja.

    Crackdown on ‘Dr’ title misuse

    Alausa said the move follows a growing pattern of abuse linked to honorary degrees, which he described as increasingly politicised.

    “The recent trend… has revealed a growing abuse and politicisation of this academic privilege,” he stated.

    Concerns over patronage and ethics

    According to the minister, honorary awards have in some cases been used for political patronage and financial gain.

    He also raised concerns about the practice of conferring such honours on serving public officials, noting that it goes against established academic ethics.

    New rule takes effect

    Under the directive, recipients of honorary doctorates can no longer prefix their names with “Dr”.

    Instead, they are expected to clearly state the honorary nature of the award after their names.

    Push to restore academic integrity

    The government said the decision is aimed at protecting the credibility of academic titles and ensuring that earned qualifications are not undermined.

    The development is expected to trigger reactions across academic and public circles, where honorary titles have become increasingly common.