The Federal Government has declared that all tertiary admissions must be processed exclusively through the Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS), warning that any admission conducted outside the platform is illegal and will not be recognised.

The Minister of Education, Maruf Alausa, issued the warning on Monday in Abuja at the 2026 Policy Meeting on Admissions to Tertiary Institutions, stating that institutions operating parallel admission processes would face sanctions.

He stressed that maintaining the integrity of the national admissions system was essential to restoring public confidence in Nigeria’s tertiary education framework.

“Let me reiterate, without equivocation, that admissions conducted outside this framework are illegal and will not be recognised,” the minister said.

Alausa cautioned that institutions that continue to bypass the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board’s (JAMB) CAPS platform risk severe consequences, including regulatory action.

“The era in which institutions operated parallel admission systems, often to the detriment of deserving candidates, must come to an end,” he said.

He added that the Federal Government would not tolerate violations of admission regulations, noting that erring institutions would be held accountable.

“I have resisted many attempts at condoning illegality in the admissions process. I will not be a party to such actions. Any institution found to have conducted admissions outside CAPS will be held accountable, and appropriate sanctions shall be applied without hesitation,” he stated.

The minister warned that heads of tertiary institutions—both public and private—could face serious penalties, including suspension of operating licences where necessary.

He, however, noted that enforcement of the policy was aimed at restoring order rather than punishment.

“This is not a punitive measure; it is a necessary step towards restoring order and credibility in the system,” Alausa said.

On admission age, the minister announced that the Federal Government has retained 16 years as the minimum age for entry into tertiary institutions, following consultations and policy reviews.

He explained that the policy strikes a balance between academic readiness and inclusivity, while providing for exceptional cases under strict guidelines.

Alausa also commended the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) for improving access for persons with disabilities, including waivers of application fees, describing the initiative as a step toward greater equity.

He highlighted ongoing reforms in the education sector, including the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), which he said is designed to reduce financial barriers to higher education through interest-free loans covering tuition and upkeep.

The minister further directed tertiary institutions to enhance transparency by publishing key operational data, including enrolment figures and financial allocations, to strengthen accountability.

He also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to digitalisation in the education sector, including expanded use of computer-based testing and integration of technology-driven learning systems.

Alausa described the 2025 agreement with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) as a major breakthrough aimed at improving welfare, funding, and institutional stability in public universities.

He further warned against examination malpractice, saying stricter verification systems were being introduced to safeguard the credibility 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 prioritise implementation of policies over announcements, stressing that reforms would only be effective if properly executed.

He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to building a merit-driven, inclusive, and globally competitive tertiary education system before formally declaring the meeting open.