Major change for HND applicants as NBTE announces centralised admission process
The National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) has announced that all Higher National Diploma (HND) admissions in polytechnics, allied institutions, colleges of nursing sciences and health technology institutions will now be handled by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).
The directive was contained in a circular dated September 9, 2026, signed by the NBTE Executive Secretary, Prof. Idris Bugaje, and addressed to rectors and provosts of affected institutions.
Why Is JAMB Taking Over HND Admissions?
According to the NBTE, the move is aimed at creating a centralised admission process and preventing what it described as “illegal and compromised admissions.”
The new system is also expected to help prevent admission-related issues that could affect graduates’ eligibility for NYSC mobilisation after completing their HND.
JAMB’s Head of Media and Information, Fabian Benjamin, confirmed that the board would comply with the directive.
New HND Admission Process
Under the new arrangement:
🔹 All HND admissions will go through JAMB.
🔹 NBTE will develop guidelines to guide the new HND admission process.
🔹 The guidelines will address issues such as the waiting period for ND holders before proceeding to HND.
🔹 Admissions will be limited to accredited programmes and approved carrying capacities.
🔹 Digitalisation is expected to make it harder for institutions to process illegal admissions.
Important Change for NCE/HND Holders
NBTE also reaffirmed that NCE/HND combination holders will not be presented for NYSC mobilisation.
NCE holders who wish to proceed to HND will now have to obtain a valid ND qualification before moving to HND.
Only the ND and HND certificates will be recognised for NYSC mobilisation in such cases.
Part-Time Admission Also Affected
The NBTE stated that with part-time ND admissions now under JAMB, part-time admissions have been capped at 50% of each institution’s approved full-time quota.
The board also said outstanding cases involving legally admitted ND part-time and HND full-time candidates would be resolved to enable eligible candidates to proceed with NYSC mobilisation.
Institutions Warned
NBTE warned rectors and provosts to strictly comply with the new directives.
Any institution found violating the regulations could face regulatory sanctions, including withdrawal of its operational licence.
The Federal Ministry of Education is expected to provide further details on the new HND admission arrangement.
“With digitisation, there shall be no hiding place for illegal admissions.” — NBTE
What Do You Think?
Is putting all HND admissions under JAMB a good move that will make the process more transparent, or will it create additional challenges for polytechnic and health institution applicants?
HND applicants, what do you think about this new development? 👇🏾
The National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) has announced that all Higher National Diploma (HND) admissions in polytechnics, allied institutions, colleges of nursing sciences and health technology institutions will now be handled by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).
The directive was contained in a circular dated September 9, 2026, signed by the NBTE Executive Secretary, Prof. Idris Bugaje, and addressed to rectors and provosts of affected institutions.
Why Is JAMB Taking Over HND Admissions?
According to the NBTE, the move is aimed at creating a centralised admission process and preventing what it described as “illegal and compromised admissions.”
The new system is also expected to help prevent admission-related issues that could affect graduates’ eligibility for NYSC mobilisation after completing their HND.
JAMB’s Head of Media and Information, Fabian Benjamin, confirmed that the board would comply with the directive.
New HND Admission Process
Under the new arrangement:
🔹 All HND admissions will go through JAMB.
🔹 NBTE will develop guidelines to guide the new HND admission process.
🔹 The guidelines will address issues such as the waiting period for ND holders before proceeding to HND.
🔹 Admissions will be limited to accredited programmes and approved carrying capacities.
🔹 Digitalisation is expected to make it harder for institutions to process illegal admissions.
Important Change for NCE/HND Holders
NBTE also reaffirmed that NCE/HND combination holders will not be presented for NYSC mobilisation.
NCE holders who wish to proceed to HND will now have to obtain a valid ND qualification before moving to HND.
Only the ND and HND certificates will be recognised for NYSC mobilisation in such cases.
Part-Time Admission Also Affected
The NBTE stated that with part-time ND admissions now under JAMB, part-time admissions have been capped at 50% of each institution’s approved full-time quota.
The board also said outstanding cases involving legally admitted ND part-time and HND full-time candidates would be resolved to enable eligible candidates to proceed with NYSC mobilisation.
Institutions Warned
NBTE warned rectors and provosts to strictly comply with the new directives.
Any institution found violating the regulations could face regulatory sanctions, including withdrawal of its operational licence.
The Federal Ministry of Education is expected to provide further details on the new HND admission arrangement.
“With digitisation, there shall be no hiding place for illegal admissions.” — NBTE
What Do You Think?
Is putting all HND admissions under JAMB a good move that will make the process more transparent, or will it create additional challenges for polytechnic and health institution applicants?
HND applicants, what do you think about this new development? 👇🏾
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