Education Roundup: Admissions, Policies, and Key Updates

This Week's Highlights

This week's news in Nigerian education is buzzing with announcements! From new admissions processes and university rankings to scholarship opportunities and government initiatives, there's a lot happening. Key themes include expanded access to education through remedial programs, degree upgrades, and open learning; funding and infrastructure improvements; and a focus on ethical practices, digital literacy, and student well-being. Prepare for important dates and application deadlines as we dive into the details.

Admission Processes and Opportunities

AFIT Remedial Programme: A Second Chance

The Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) has opened applications for its remedial programme for the 2025/2026 academic session. This programme provides a pathway for students who didn't meet the JAMB cut-off mark or need to address O'level deficiencies. The programme runs for one full session (two semesters) and, upon successful completion, students can be considered for degree admission, subject to their performance and available space.

• Who Can Apply? Students who didn’t meet JAMB cut-off, have O’level gaps, or applied to other schools.
• Entry Requirements: Five O'level credits (WAEC, NECO, NABTEB) in no more than two sittings, including English and Maths, with subject specific requirements based on the intended field of study.
• How to Apply: Visit the AFIT Remedial Application Portal, complete the online form, and pay the ₦10,000 application fee with an Interswitch ATM card.
• Application Window: Opens 27 June 2025 and closes 26 July 2025.
• What You Need to Know: This is a pathway to university admission; however, you must pass the remedial exams and meet UTME cut-off to be considered for degree admission, subject to space availability.

Degree Upgrades at UNIABUJA: Bridging the Qualification Gap

The University of Abuja (UNIABUJA) is inviting applications for its Degree Conversion Programme for the 2025/2026 academic session. This programme is designed for HND holders and graduates with third-class or pass degrees seeking to upgrade their qualifications. Programmes are available across various faculties and can be taken on a part-time basis.

• Eligible Candidates: HND holders and graduates with third-class or pass degrees.
• Available Courses: Wide range of programmes across faculties, including Engineering, Management Sciences, Arts, Social Sciences, Agriculture, Education, Science, and Nursing.
• How to Apply: Register via the JAMB e-platform, then proceed to the UNIABUJA portal (cdlce.uniabuja.edu.ng), complete the online form, and pay the ₦20,000 application fee via Remita.
• Course Duration: Varies – 3 years for Engineering, Nursing, and Agriculture; 2 years for all others.
• Application Deadline: Tuesday, 30 September 2025.
• What You Need to Know: This is a great opportunity to enhance your qualification and career prospects.

UNIABUJA Open and Distance Learning: Study Remotely

UNIABUJA is also accepting applications for its Open and Distance Learning (ODL) undergraduate degree programs for the 2026/2027 academic year. These programs, run by the Centre for Distance Learning and Continuing Education (CDL&CE), provide flexible online learning options across several faculties. Great for those working or preferring remote study.

• Available Courses: Wide array of programs from the Faculties of Arts, Education, Management Sciences, and Social Sciences.
• Entry Requirements: Five O'level credits including English and Maths (in no more than two sittings); or two A-Level passes and five relevant O'level credits; or Direct Entry with relevant qualifications.
• How to Apply: Start with JAMB registration, then apply through the UNIABUJA portal (cdlce.uniabuja.edu.ng), complete the online form, and pay the ₦20,000 application fee via Remita.
• Course Duration: 4 to 5 years, depending on entry route.
• Application Deadline: Tuesday, 30 September 2025.
• What You Need to Know: A flexible way to earn a degree while working.

UNIABUJA Face-to-Face Part-Time Degree: Weekend Classes

In addition, the University of Abuja is offering face-to-face part-time degree programs for the 2026/2027 session through its Centre for Distance Learning and Continuing Education (CDL&CE). Weekend classes are available across faculties, allowing students to balance work or other commitments.

• Available Programs: Programmes are available across faculties of Arts, Education, Management Sciences and Social Sciences.
• Admission Requirements: O’Level Route: Five credits including English and Maths, not more than two sittings. A-Level Route: Two A-Level passes with at least two O’Level credits in relevant subjects. Direct Entry: Four O’Level credits including English and Maths
• How to Apply: Start with JAMB. Apply through the JAMB e-platform to get a valid registration number. Proceed to UNIABUJA CDL&CE portal (cdlce.uniabuja.edu.ng). Complete the online form and pay the ₦20,000 application fee via Remita.
• Study Duration and Setup: Courses run for four to five years, depending on entry qualification. Weekend-only classes, held physically at the university
• Application Fee: ₦20,000 (excluding bank charges)
• Deadline: Application closes on Tuesday, 30 September 2025
• What You Need to Know: A flexible study option suited for working individuals.

FUOTUOKE Business School: Diverse Postgraduate Programs

The Federal University Otuoke Business School (FUOBS) in Bayelsa is welcoming applications for its 2024/2025 academic session. The programs cater to professionals, postgraduates, and those seeking to grow in business, management, or the public sector, with various options available, including certificates, executive and professional master's, M.Sc., and Ph.D. programs.

• Programmes Offered: Certificate and short courses (2 weeks - 6 months), Postgraduate Diploma (PGD), Executive and Professional Master’s (weekend and hybrid options), Regular Master of Science (M.Sc.), and Doctoral Degrees (Ph.D., DBA, DPA).
• Entry Requirements: Vary by program, but generally include O’level credits, relevant degrees, and work experience.
• How to Apply: Visit the FUOTUOKE Business School portal, fill out the application form, and pay via Remita.
• Application Fees: Range from ₦30,000 (Certificates) to ₦100,000 (Executive Master’s).
• Deadline: Application closes 30 days after the advert goes live.
• What You Need to Know: Offers a wide range of programs for career advancement in business and management.

FUOTUOKE Pre-Degree: Preparing for University

FUOTUOKE has also opened applications for its 2025/2026 pre-degree program through the School of Basic Studies. The one-year, full-time program is designed to prepare students for the 2026 UTME and entry into 100-level undergraduate courses.

• Eligibility: Five credit passes, including English and Mathematics, from WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB, in no more than two sittings.
• Available Courses: Pre-degree covers most FUOTUOKE undergraduate courses.
• How to Apply: Go to the FUOTUOKE application portal, fill in details, and upload required documents, including passport photo, WAEC/NECO/NABTEB results, Local Government Area ID letter, and Birth Certificate or Age Declaration.
• Application Fee: ₦10,000.
• Application Deadline: Tuesday, 30 September 2025.
• What You Need to Know: An excellent program to prepare for UTME and undergraduate admission.

AE-FUNAI JUPEB: Direct Entry to 200 Level

Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike (AE-FUNAI) is accepting applications for its JUPEB program for the 2025/2026 academic session. This 10-month program provides direct entry into 200-level at AE-FUNAI and over 90 other universities.

• Eligibility: At least five O’level credits, including English and Mathematics, in no more than two sittings.
• How to Apply: Visit the application portal, generate the invoice and Remita Retrieval Reference (RRR), pay via card or bank, then complete and print the application.
• Available Courses: Covers various faculties, including Agriculture, Basic Medical Sciences, Education, Engineering and Technology, Environmental Sciences, Humanities, Law, Management Sciences, Biological Sciences, Physical Sciences, Social Sciences, and Medical and Allied Health Sciences.
• Application Fee: ₦15,000.
• Application Deadline: Friday, 31 October 2025, by 11:59 pm.
• What You Need to Know: A direct route to university admission, offering direct entry into 200-level.

AE-FUNAI Pre-Degree: Preparing for 100 Level

AE-FUNAI is also accepting applications for its 2025/2026 pre-degree program. This non-residential, one-year course helps students secure admission into full-time degree programs (excluding Medicine and Surgery).

• Eligibility: At least five O’level credits, including English and Mathematics.
• How to Apply: Visit the AE-FUNAI Pre-degree Application Portal, generate the Remita Retrieval Reference (RRR), pay via ATM card or bank, and return to the portal to complete the application.
• Available Courses: Programs available across various faculties.
• Application Fee: ₦15,000.
• Application Deadline: Friday, 31 October 2025, at 11:59 pm.
• What You Need to Know: This program prepares students for various degree programs.

AFIT IJMB: Direct Entry into University

The Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) in Kaduna is accepting applications for its IJMB program for the 2025/2026 session. This one-year course prepares students for direct entry into university without JAMB.

• Eligibility: At least five credits in O’level subjects, including English, Mathematics, and three other subjects related to the chosen field.
• How to Apply: Visit the AFIT IJMB Application Portal, select the 2025/2026 session, complete the online form, and pay the ₦10,000 fee.
• Application Timeline: Opens 27 June 2025 and closes 26 July 2025.
• What You Need to Know: A direct pathway to university admission, avoiding JAMB.

KWASU JUPEB and IJMB: Fast Track Your University Journey

Kwara State University (KWASU) is offering JUPEB and IJMB programs for the 2025/2026 session. These one-year courses provide a direct route to 200-level admission.

• Eligibility: Five credit passes, including English.
• How to Apply: Pay ₦15,000 for the form and complete the online application.
• Program Fees: Non-science students ₦155,000, Science students ₦165,000
• What You Need to Know: The programmes include solar energy and ICT skill training, preparing students for practical skills alongside academics.

KWASU Pre-degree/Remedial: Addressing Academic Gaps

Kwara State University (KWASU) is also accepting applications for Pre-degree and Remedial programs for the 2025/2026 session, designed for students with WASSCE, NECO, GCE, or JAMB result gaps.

• Eligibility: Pre-degree: At least four credit passes from WASSCE, NECO, or GCE. Remedial: At least three credit passes in relevant subjects, including English or Mathematics.
• How to Apply: Pay ₦15,000 for the application form and complete the online form.
• Program Cost: Non-science students: ₦55,000, Science students: ₦65,000.
• What You Need to Know: These programs offer a second chance for students who need to improve their academic records.

University Rankings and Performance

FUNAAB Makes Top 10 in THE Impact Rankings

The Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB) has been ranked among Nigeria’s top 10 universities in the 2025 Times Higher Education (THE) Impact Rankings. This ranking recognizes universities' contributions to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

• Overall Ranking: 7th nationally.
• SDG Performance: 2nd in Nigeria for SDG 4 (Quality Education), 3rd in SDG 2 (Zero Hunger), 4th in SDG 13 (Climate Action), and 6th in SDG 17 (Partnership for the Goals).
• What You Need to Know: A testament to the university's focus on sustainability and societal impact.

Scholarship and Competition Announcements

2025 PPAfan Scholarship: Supporting FCT Undergraduates

The PPAfan Undergraduate Scholarship 2025 is offering financial assistance to students from the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) who need help with school expenses. This is an opportunity for indigenous students who meet the criteria.

• Eligibility: FCT indigenes admitted to tertiary institutions.
• Required Documents: FCT Indigene form, admission letter and transcript, birth certificate, CV, and a cover letter.
• Application Deadline: 27 June 2025.
• What You Need to Know: Provides financial support to FCT students.

USLF Essay Competition: Encouraging Critical Thinking

The Umaru Shinkafi Legacy Foundation (USLF) has launched its first essay contest, focusing on kidnapping and banditry in Nigeria. Students in Sokoto, Kebbi, and Zamfara are eligible to participate and can win up to ₦1 million.

• Eligibility: Students (16-25 years old) in tertiary institutions in Sokoto, Kebbi, or Zamfara.
• Essay Theme: “Socio-Economic Implications of Kidnapping and Banditry in Nigeria.”
• Essay Rules: 2,000-2,500 words, Times New Roman, size 12, PDF format, no plagiarism, valid ID required.
• Prizes: 1st Place - ₦1,000,000, 2nd Place - ₦500,000, 3rd Place - ₦300,000.
• Submission Deadline: 27 June 2025.
• What You Need to Know: A platform for students to address critical societal issues and win substantial rewards.

University News & Government Initiatives

UNIZIK Staff Tuition Waiver: Supporting Postgraduate Studies

Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UNIZIK) has reinstated tuition waivers for staff pursuing postgraduate studies, effective from the 2024/2025 session. This policy aims to encourage and support staff development.

• Eligibility: UNIZIK staff enrolled in postgraduate programs.
• Requirements: Admission letter and formal approval to undertake the postgraduate program.
• Coverage: Tuition for the minimum duration of the course.
• What You Need to Know: This policy supports staff in their academic pursuits and promotes professional development.

Kwara State Government Initiatives

The Kwara State Government is implementing various initiatives to enhance the education sector:

• Taskforce to Curb Loitering: A high-powered committee has been inaugurated to curb student loitering and address teacher lateness in public schools, aiming to restore discipline and improve educational outcomes.
• What You Need to Know: A focus on restoring discipline in schools.

Abia State to Recruit 4,000 Teachers: Expanding Educational Capacity

Governor Alex Otti of Abia State has announced the recruitment of 4,000 additional teachers, bringing the total number of new teachers to 9,394 in primary and secondary schools. This is part of the state's effort to support the introduction of free and compulsory education.

• New Recruitment: 4,000 additional teachers will be recruited.
• Policy Focus: Free and compulsory education from primary one to junior secondary school.
• What You Need to Know: Expanding educational capacity and quality through teacher recruitment.

NSSEC Decries Poor Funding of Senior Secondary Education: Advocating for Improved Investment

The Executive Secretary of the National Senior Secondary Education Commission (NSSEC), Dr. Iyela Ajayi, has expressed concern over the inadequate funding of senior secondary education, despite provisions in the NSSEC Act 2023. The commission is advocating for increased funding to address infrastructure deficits, instructional material shortages, and human resource development challenges.

• Funding Issue: NSSEC is yet to receive the statutory 2% of the Consolidated Revenue Fund.
• Commission's Focus: Collaboration with development agencies, donor organizations, the private sector, and enforcement of minimum quality standards.
• What You Need to Know: The commission is working to improve senior secondary education through increased funding and stakeholder collaboration.

Mind Education at Ajayi Crowther University: Fostering Holistic Student Development

Ajayi Crowther University is implementing the Mind Education program into its curriculum, which the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Timothy Adebayo, describes as a transformative initiative improving students' emotional intelligence, decision-making skills, and mental discipline. This program is helping students develop emotionally, socially, and academically.

• Program Impact: Improved emotional intelligence, decision-making, and mental discipline.
• Key Feature: Integral to the university's curriculum.
• What You Need to Know: Promoting holistic student development.

Anambra State's UBE Matching Grants: Supporting Basic Education

Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has cleared a three-year backlog of Universal Basic Education (UBE) matching grants from 2019 to 2021. This will enable the state to meet its requirements for accessing the 2022, 2023, and 2024 UBEC matching grants.

• Action: Clearing the backlog of UBE matching grants.
• Target: Ensuring up-to-date counterpart funding obligations.
• What You Need to Know: Commitment to providing quality basic education for Anambra children.

MTN's Y'ello Connect Initiative: Promoting Digital Literacy

MTN Nigeria, as part of its 2025 Y’ello Connect initiative, trained students of St. Augustine College of Education, Akoka, Yaba, Lagos, on the ethical and productive use of artificial intelligence. The initiative aims to enhance digital literacy among students, equipping them with the skills and knowledge to navigate the rapidly evolving digital world.

• Focus: Digital literacy and ethical AI practices.
• Support: Donation of ICT tools, including a projector, laptops, and 5G routers.
• What You Need to Know: Equipping students with digital skills and promoting responsible AI use.

Gombe State Approves Extra Allowance: Supporting Local Government Workers

The Gombe State Government has approved an additional N5,000 monthly allowance for all employees under the Local Government Areas (LGAs) and Local Government Education Authorities (LGEAs) in the state, effective from June 2025. The memo was signed by Jibrin Yusuf on behalf of the Head of Civil Service, Ahmed Abdullahi.

• Allowance: Additional N5,000 monthly for LGA and LGEA staff.
• Effective Date: June 2025.
• What You Need to Know: Improving the welfare of local government workers.

OOU Dress Code Controversy: Addressing Decency and Respect

A video showing female students being inspected at Olabisi Onabanjo University sparked controversy, with many criticizing the “no bra, no exam policy.”

• The Policy: Dress code aiming at maintaining a respectful and distraction-free environment.
• Student Union Reaction: Working with authorities to find a respectful alternative to ensure decency.
• What You Need to Know: The school policy promoting respect and attention to decency.

Official Announcements & Clarifications

NELFUND Mandates Data Verification: Ensuring Transparent Loan Disbursement

The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) has directed all accredited tertiary institutions to verify and upload student data on the Student Loan Application System (SLAS) to enable final loan disbursement. This is a crucial step for loan applicants.

• Action Required: Institutions must request access and verify and upload all student data on SLAS.
• Verification: Institutions must verify submitted student data.
• What You Need to Know: This step is a prerequisite to loan disbursement. Students are advised to confirm their data has been verified.

NUC Defends Accreditation System: Addressing Misinformation

The National Universities Commission (NUC) has refuted social media claims about the university accreditation process. The NUC clarified that accreditation is a rigorous evaluation process to ensure high academic standards.

• NUC’s Stance: Accreditation is not a mere formality.
• Accreditation Process: Rigorous evaluation by independent panels.
• What You Need to Know: The NUC is committed to upholding the integrity of Nigeria’s higher education.

Academic Calendars

YSU 2nd Semester: Key Dates

Yobe State University (YSU) has released its academic calendar for the second semester of the 2024/2025 session.

• Resumption: All students resume on 7 July 2025.
• Lectures: Start 7 July and run until 27 September 2025.
• Examinations: From 29 September to 25 October 2025.
• Result Processing: 27 October to 15 November 2025.
• What You Need to Know: Plan for the academic calendar dates.

Looking Ahead

The next few weeks promise to be busy, with many application deadlines approaching. Be sure to check the official websites for updates. Furthermore, there are several new initiatives and policies to be aware of. Stay informed, and good luck with your applications and studies!