FG Declares Admissions Outside CAPS Illegal, Warns Tertiary Institutions

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The Federal Government has declared that any admission conducted outside the Central Admissions Processing System, CAPS, is illegal, warning tertiary institutions nationwide that violations of approved procedures will attract sanctions.

The Minister of Education, Maruf Alausa, issued the warning on Monday during the 2026 Policy Meeting on Admissions to Tertiary Institutions held in Abuja.

Alausa said institutions that operate parallel admission systems without using the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB, platform would no longer be recognised by the government.

He stressed that the integrity of Nigeria’s admission process must be protected to restore public confidence in the tertiary education system.

“Admissions conducted outside this framework are illegal and will not be recognised,” he said.

The minister warned that institutions bypassing CAPS risked severe consequences, adding that the era of unregulated admissions must end.

“The era in which institutions operated parallel admission systems must come to an end,” he said.

Alausa stated that the Federal Government would not tolerate any breach of admission regulations, adding that erring institutions would face sanctions.

“I have resisted many attempts at condoning illegality in the admissions process. I will not be a party to such actions,” he said.

He further warned that heads of institutions, both public and private, could face serious penalties, including suspension of operating licences where necessary.

“Any institution found to have conducted admissions outside CAPS will be held accountable and appropriate sanctions shall be applied without hesitation,” he said.

The minister explained that enforcement of the policy was aimed at restoring credibility and order, not punishment.

He also reaffirmed that the minimum age for admission into tertiary institutions remains 16 years, following extensive policy consultations.

Alausa noted that exceptional cases of gifted candidates would only be considered under strict guidelines.

He commended JAMB for reforms aimed at improving access for persons with disabilities, including application fee waivers, describing the move as a boost for equity.

The minister also highlighted ongoing reforms in the education sector, including the Nigerian Education Loan Fund, designed to ease financial barriers to higher education through interest-free loans.

Alausa stressed the need for transparency in tertiary institutions, directing them to publish key data such as enrolment figures and financial information.

He also reiterated government efforts to strengthen digital learning, examination integrity and institutional accountability.

According to him, recent agreements with the Academic Staff Union of Universities, ASUU, were aimed at ensuring stability in public universities and preventing disruptions to academic calendars.

Alausa warned against examination malpractice and emphasised that the credibility of certificates depends on the integrity of the system.

He urged stakeholders to focus on implementing reforms rather than making policy declarations, adding that the future of Nigerian students depends on effective execution.

The minister formally declared the 2026 policy meeting open.

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