The National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) has announced that the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) will take over the processing of all Higher National Diploma (HND) admissions in polytechnics and other affected institutions across Nigeria.
The directive, contained in a circular dated September 9, 2026, is expected to introduce a centralised admission process for prospective HND students from the current academic session.
The circular was signed by the NBTE Executive Secretary, Prof. Idris Bugaje, and addressed to rectors and provosts of institutions under the board’s regulatory oversight.
NBTE Explains Reason Behind Admission Shift
The decision followed a meeting involving the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, and representatives of JAMB, the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), NBTE and the Federal Ministry of Education.
The board said the new arrangement was aimed at establishing a centralised admission system and preventing illegal and compromised admissions.
According to the circular, irregular admissions could jeopardise the mobilisation of affected students for NYSC after completing their HND programmes.
The move is therefore expected to strengthen the coordination of admissions and improve the monitoring of students’ entry into higher diploma programmes. The NBTE stated that the arrangement would apply to polytechnics, allied institutions, colleges of nursing sciences and colleges of health technology.
However, the directive means that HND admissions in the affected institutions will now be processed through JAMB, rather than being handled solely through the institutions’ existing admission arrangements. Prospective HND students may be required to follow a new admission process involving JAMB.
However, the announcement does not, by itself, confirm whether applicants will be required to sit for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), pay a specific registration fee or use a particular application portal.
Further guidelines are expected from the Federal Ministry of Education and the relevant admission authorities.
Applicants are advised to rely on official announcements from JAMB, NBTE and their respective institutions before submitting applications or making payments.
Effect on Existing HND Students
The directive concerns HND admissions and does not state that students already admitted into HND programmes must reapply through JAMB.
The position of continuing students, including any transition arrangements, should be clarified in subsequent official guidelines.
Notably, the development comes as the government moves to strengthen the administration of tertiary education admissions and address concerns surrounding irregular admission practices.
By Musekir Faisat Omolara
