The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) will take over the processing of all Higher National Diploma (HND) admissions in polytechnics, allied institutions and colleges of nursing sciences and health technology from the current academic session.
The National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) announced the development in a circular dated September 9, 2026, signed by its Executive Secretary, Prof. Idris Bugaje, and addressed to rectors and provosts of affected institutions.
According to the NBTE, the decision followed a meeting involving the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, JAMB, the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), NBTE and the Federal Ministry of Education.
Why JAMB Is Taking Over HND Admissions
The board said the centralised admission system is intended to curb illegal and compromised admissions and prevent situations in which students encounter difficulties with NYSC mobilisation after completing their HND programmes.
Under the new arrangement, institutions will no longer independently process HND admissions as they have done previously. JAMB will instead manage the process through a centralised digital platform.
JAMB’s Head of Media and Information, Fabian Benjamin, confirmed that the board would comply with the directive.
He said the directive had come from the appropriate authorities and that JAMB would work towards achieving the government’s objectives.
NBTE to Develop New HND Admission Guidelines
NBTE has been directed to develop comprehensive guidelines for HND admissions and submit them to JAMB to guide the new digital admission system.
The guidelines are expected to address important areas, including the required waiting period for National Diploma (ND) holders before progressing to HND programmes.
They will also provide for exemptions applicable to certain ND health-related programmes.
The Federal Ministry of Education is expected to provide additional details on the implementation of the new system.
Part-Time Admission Quota Also Affected
The new policy will also affect part-time admissions.
With part-time ND admissions now placed under JAMB, NBTE has stipulated that the number of part-time students admitted by an institution must not exceed 50 per cent of its approved full-time admission quota.
The measure is part of efforts to bring greater control and consistency to admissions across technical and tertiary institutions.
New Rule for NCE/HND Holders
NBTE also reaffirmed an earlier directive concerning candidates who hold combined NCE and HND qualifications.
The board had stated that candidates with an NCE/HND combination would not be presented for NYSC mobilisation. Under the revised arrangement, NCE holders seeking HND qualifications must first obtain a valid National Diploma before progressing to an HND programme.
The move is expected to provide clearer qualification pathways and reduce irregularities surrounding admission and NYSC eligibility.
Institutions Warned Against Non-Compliance
NBTE directed rectors and provosts of affected institutions to comply strictly with the new admission arrangements.
The board warned that institutions that violate the directive could face regulatory sanctions, including the possible withdrawal of their operational licences.
The policy represents a significant change in the way HND admissions will be conducted in Nigeria, placing the process under a centralised JAMB system from the 2026/2027 academic session.
