The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board will now oversee all Higher National Diploma admissions in polytechnics, allied institutions, colleges of nursing sciences and health technology institutions across Nigeria.
The National Board for Technical Education 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 the affected institutions. The decision followed a meeting involving the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, JAMB, NBTE, the National Youth Service Corps and the Federal Ministry of Education.
According to the NBTE, the centralised admission process is intended to curb illegal and compromised admissions while ensuring that candidates are admitted only into accredited programmes and within approved institutional carrying capacities. The board will also develop HND admission guidelines for JAMB’s digital platform, including provisions on the waiting period for National Diploma holders before progressing to HND programmes.
The new directive also reinforces existing rules on part-time admissions and NYSC mobilisation. NCE holders seeking HND admission must first obtain a valid ND through direct admission via JAMB, while only recognised ND and HND certificates will qualify such candidates for NYSC mobilisation. Institutions have been warned that breaches could attract regulatory sanctions, including withdrawal of their operating licences.
