Education
FG Declares Admissions Outside CAPS Illegal, Warns Institutions of Sanctions
The Federal Government has declared that any admission conducted outside the Central Admissions Processing System is illegal, warning tertiary institutions across the country that violations of approved admission procedures will attract sanctions.
The Minister of Education, Maruf Alausa, issued the warning on Monday at the 2026 Policy Meeting on Admissions to Tertiary Institutions held in Abuja, stressing that institutions operating parallel admission processes would no longer be recognised by the government.
He said the integrity of the admissions system remained central to restoring trust in Nigeria’s tertiary education framework, adding that the era of unregulated 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 that continued to bypass the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board’s CAPS platform risked severe consequences.
“The era in which institutions operated parallel admission systems, often to the detriment of deserving candidates, must come to an end,” he added.
The minister further cautioned that the Federal Government would not tolerate any breach 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 the CAPS will be held accountable, and appropriate sanctions shall be applied without hesitation,” he stated.
According to him, heads of institutions in both public and private sectors must be aware that such breaches could attract serious penalties, including regulatory action.
“Heads of institutions, whether in the public or private sector, must recognise that such violations could result in severe consequences, including the suspension of operating licences or other regulatory actions, where applicable,” Alausa warned.
He emphasised that enforcement of the policy was not intended to be punitive but necessary to restore credibility and order in the system.
“Government will continue to enforce compliance with this policy, and appropriate sanctions will be applied where necessary. 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 the Federal Government had retained 16 years as the minimum age for entry into tertiary institutions.
“Following extensive consultations and policy reviews, the government has maintained sixteen (16) years as the minimum age for admission into tertiary institutions,” he said.
He explained that the decision reflected a balance between academic readiness and inclusivity, while noting that exceptional cases would be handled under strict guidelines.
“While we recognise the existence of exceptionally gifted individuals, such cases must be treated within clearly defined and rigorously enforced guidelines,” he added.
Alausa also commended JAMB for improving access for persons with disabilities, including waivers of application fees, describing the initiative as a step toward equity.
“This initiative is not only humane but also a powerful affirmation of our national commitment to equity and equal opportunity,” he said.
He further highlighted reforms in the education sector, including the implementation of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund to remove financial barriers to higher education.
“For decades, financial constraints have constituted a significant barrier for many capable young Nigerians,” he noted.
He said the interest-free loan scheme covering tuition and upkeep was a strategic investment in national development.
On transparency, he insisted that tertiary institutions must publish key operational data, including enrolment figures and financial allocations, to strengthen accountability.
Public universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education must operate with openness that reflects their public mandate,” he said.
Alausa also underscored the government’s push for digitalisation in education, including the adoption of computer-based testing and integration of emerging technologies in curricula.
He described the 2025 agreement with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) as a turning point, aimed at improving welfare, funding, and institutional stability.
“The 2025 Agreement represents a decisive breakthrough in resolving a dispute that had persisted for many years,” he said.
He added that the reforms were designed to ensure uninterrupted academic calendars and restore confidence in public universities.
The minister also warned against examination malpractice, saying stricter verification systems were being introduced to protect the credibility of certificates.
“The credibility of our certificates depends on the integrity of the processes through which they are earned,” he said.
Alausa urged stakeholders to prioritise implementation over policy announcements, stressing that reforms would only succeed through execution.
“For too long, our sector has been characterised by well-articulated policies that fail to translate into tangible outcomes,” he said.
He called on participants at the policy meeting to uphold integrity, noting that the future of millions of Nigerian students depended on fair and efficient admissions processes.
“The decisions we take here will have far-reaching implications for millions of young Nigerians,” he said.
The minister reiterated the government’s commitment to building a tertiary education system that is inclusive, merit-driven, and globally competitive, before formally declaring the meeting open.
Education
Makurdi Old Boys Association Inaugurates BOT October 17, Launches N1bn Secretariat Project Fund
Government College Makurdi Old Boys Association (MOBA) has completed arrangements to inaugurate its Board of Trustees (BOT) October 17, at the school premises.
The high profile event will also witness the launch of N1billion Appeal Fund for the construction of its National Secretariat Project.
A statement by the Association’s National President, Dr Cletus Akwaya and the Central Planning Committee Chairman Cmrd.
Stephen Tadawus, reminded all members of the National Executive Committee (NEC), Board of Trustees Members-designate, invited Guests, and the entire MOBA family to attend the event punctually at Government College Assembly Hall, Makurdi beginning by 10:00AMThe statement said the Governors of Benue state, Rev.
Fr. Dr. Hyacinth Iormem Alia; Plateau state, Barr. Caleb Manasseh Mutwang; Nasarawa, Engr. A. A. Sule and Bauchi, Sen. Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed are expected to grace the occasion as distinguished guests of Honour.Similarly, the Commissioner for Education and Knowledge Management, Benue State, Dr. Adamu Margaret Ijaguwa and Executive Secretary, Teaching Service Board, Benue State, Dr. Bem Tseen have been invited as Special Guests, the statement said.
It named members of the Board of Trustees (BOT) to include Prince Yandev Amaabai, Senator Joshua Chibi Dariye, Senator Gabriel Torwua Suswam, Hon Hassan El Yakub SAN- Hon, Alhaji Abubakar Giza, Prof. Terna Yawe, Chief Rebo Usman, Dr. Dader Mazadu Bako, Engr. Ali Rabiu, Prof. John Wade, Arc. Terseer Dankaro and Titus Ihunduas Secretary of the Board.
This event marks a new chapter in the life of the Association. We request all Old Boys to massively turn out and support the cause of giving back to their Almamater,” the statement further said adding, All concerned are therefore, requested to come together to make this historic event a success and to contribute generously towards the completion of Makurdi Old Boy’s Associations’ National Secretariat Project.”
Maryam Umar, a limb difference student, is set to graduate with a Bachelor of Science degree in Economics from the Gombe State University.
Umar, who successfully completed her Level 400 course work, examinations and project, achieved this feat after overcoming educational and financial challenges.
In an interview on Monday in Gombe, Umar said that the intervention by the Academic Staff Union of the University (ASUU) made her journey to attain university education a reality.
Umar recounted that she started primary education at the age of 11 at Hammadaji Primary School in Gombe metropolis, adding that she could not immediately proceed to secondary school due to challenges.
The foot-writer student later attended Government Day Secondary School, Nasarawo, Gombe, where she obtained a senior school certificate.
“Many people doubted my ability to attend university because of physical and financial challenges.
“Nevertheless; I sat for the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), and National Examinations Council (NECO) examinations, and passed both, but could not proceed due to lack of sponsorship.
“Apparently, my predicament widely circulated in the national dailies attracted the attention of the ASUU,” she said.
She said that the union visited her family home, verified her educational credentials, and subsequently offered her scholarship.
Umar said that handwriting proved to be a major obstacle because she writes with her toes during lectures, tests and examinations.
“During my first test, I couldn’t finish within the allocated time and reported the matter to the union.
“The ASUU chairman subsequently wrote to my Head of Department, requesting an additional time for me during tests and examinations. The department granted the request and continued to support me throughout my studies,” she said.
Umar also commended her lecturers for their support and understanding.
She recalled that when a journalist visited the university, and inquired about her academic performances, the records rated her as being more punctual than most of the able-bodied students.
Umar also expressed joy over the successful completion of her degree programme without any academic failure.
“I am happy that I am about to graduate. I give God the glory because I have had no problem academically.
“Some students who I started schooling together had withdrawn or dropped out,” she said.
While urging people living with disabilities not to allow their conditions to distract them from pursuing their dreams, Umar enjoined them to shun street begging.
“You should not see begging as the only option. I once begged on the street, but now I am about to achieve my dream of becoming a graduate.” (NAN)
The Cross River State government on Saturday said it had closed down no fewer than 58 schools in Calabar South, Calabar Municipality, Odukpani and Yakurr local government areas of the state.
Commissioner for Education in the state, Professor Stephen Odey, disclosed this in Calabar, the state capital.
According to him, the ministry’s Department of Quality Assurance has intensified crackdown on schools operating without Approval To Operate (ATO) across the state.
He noted that the exercise was part of the state’s ongoing efforts to sanitise the education sector, enforce compliance with established regulations and ensure acceptable standards for teaching and learning.
The commissioner further explained that the exercise was aimed at protecting learners and ensuring that schools operated in safe, conducive and properly regulated environments.
Odey stressed that the government would not compromise the standards required for operating educational institutions in the state.
The commissioner explained that the exercise was not intended to witchhunt school proprietors, but rather, ensure that all schools met the prescribed minimal requirements for establishing and managing educational institutions.
He urged proprietors of unapproved schools to regularise their operations by obtaining the necessary approval, warning that any school sealed by the government and reopened without authorisation would face appropriate sanctions.
According to him, the enforcement exercise will continue across the state’s 18 local government areas, until the objectives of the sector’s ongoing cleanup are achieved.
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