JAMB Takes Over All HND Admissions: Big Win for Nigerian Students
Big changes are coming to polytechnic admissions in Nigeria. The National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) has announced that the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) will now handle all Higher National Diploma (HND) admissions across polytechnics, allied institutions, and colleges of nursing sciences and health technology. This move is designed to clean up the system and put an end to shady admission practices that have been shortchanging students for years.
The directive came through a circular dated September 9, 2026, signed by NBTE Executive Secretary, Prof Idris Bugaje. It was addressed to all rectors and provosts of the affected institutions. According to the circular, the decision followed a high-level meeting between the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, and key players including JAMB, the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), NBTE, and the Federal Ministry of Education.
Why is JAMB taking over HND admissions?
The core reason is simple: to stop illegal and compromised admissions. Prof Bugaje made it clear that a centralised process is needed to protect students. The circular stated,
All HND admissions in all institutions shall, from this session, be taken over by JAMB to provide a centralised process and avoid illegal and compromised admissions, jeopardising students' mobilisation for NYSC after HND.
This is about safeguarding the future of Nigerian students. No more backdoor entries. No more stories that touch the heart. The Federal Ministry of Education will release a full statement next week with more details.
What does this mean for ND holders and part-time students?
For those already on the National Diploma (ND) track, the new guidelines will spell out the waiting period before you can move on to HND. There will also be exemptions for certain ND health-related programmes. The NBTE has been directed to develop HND Admission Guidelines immediately and submit them to JAMB to guide the digital platform.
Part-time admissions are also getting a reset. With all part-time ND admissions now under JAMB, the proportion of part-time students is capped at 50 per cent of each institution's approved full-time quota. This is about balance and quality.
NYSC mobilisation: Only ND and HND certificates count now
Listen up, because this is crucial. The NBTE reaffirmed an earlier circular from September 7 that prohibits the presentation of NCE/HND combination holders for NYSC mobilisation. Under the new directive, NCE holders can only gain admission into HND programmes through direct admission via JAMB. You must first obtain a valid ND before proceeding to HND studies. Only ND and HND certificates will be recognised as valid for NYSC mobilisation.
This is a major clean-up. The days of mixing certificates to game the system are over.
What about agriculture and other programmes?
The Minister of Education will review the list of ND agriculture-related programmes whose candidates are exempted from the written Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). There is talk of considering other programmes for similar exemptions. The NBTE will make a submission, and the Committee of Heads of Nigerian Polytechnics and Similar Institutions will have their say.
Strict compliance or lose your licence
Make no mistake, this is not a suggestion. The circular warned that all rectors and provosts must ensure strict compliance. Any breach will attract appropriate regulatory sanctions, including withdrawal of operational licence. The message is loud and clear: play by the rules or pack your bags.
Prof Bugaje added that the minister has approved the resolution of all outstanding cases involving legally admitted ND part-time and HND full-time candidates. They will be mobilised for NYSC as soon as possible, in line with the Federal Government's Renewed Hope Agenda.
The NBTE is confident that this integration will ensure admissions are granted only for accredited programmes and within approved carrying capacities. As the board put it,
With digitisation, there shall be no hiding place for illegal admissions.
JAMB's Head of Media and Information, Fabian Benjamin, confirmed the board's readiness.
It's a directive from above and ours is to comply to ensure that the good intentions of the government are achieved.
This is a bold step forward. A centralised, transparent system means Nigerian students can focus on their studies without fear of being shortchanged. This is what progress looks like.
Frequently asked questions about the new HND admission policy
When will JAMB start handling HND admissions?
According to the NBTE circular, all HND admissions in all institutions shall be taken over by JAMB from this session. The Federal Ministry of Education will issue a statement next week with further details on the timeline.
Can NCE holders still apply for HND programmes?
Yes, but only through direct admission via JAMB. NCE holders must first obtain a valid ND before proceeding to HND studies. Only ND and HND certificates will be recognised for NYSC mobilisation.
What happens to part-time students under the new policy?
All part-time ND admissions are now under JAMB. The proportion of part-time students is capped at 50 per cent of each institution's approved full-time quota.
What are the penalties for non-compliance?
Any breach of the directive will attract appropriate regulatory sanctions, including withdrawal of operational licence for the offending institution.