The National Board for Technical Education has announced that all Higher National Diploma admissions in polytechnics, allied institutions and colleges of nursing sciences and health technology will now be handled by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board.
The decision was contained in a circular dated September 9, 2026, signed by NBTE Executive Secretary Prof Idris Bugaje. The move aims to ensure a centralised admission process and curb illegal and compromised admissions. JAMB’s Head of Media, Fabian Benjamin, said the board would comply with the directive.
Key Points:
Centralised admissions may reduce fraudulent practices in polytechnic admissions.
Students face stricter entry requirements and verification processes for HND programmes.
Institutions lose autonomy over admissions, potentially affecting part-time programmes.
NYSC mobilisation becomes more streamlined with verified admission records.
Digitisation could eliminate loopholes but may slow admission timelines.
The policy takes effect this session. Students and institutions should watch for the Federal Ministry of Education’s detailed implementation guidelines next week.
