Green Bridge Weekly Education News Digest (17 - 24 July 2026)

This Week's Highlights: Major Shifts & Expanding Opportunities

The Nigerian education sector saw a bustling week of significant policy announcements, numerous admission openings, and critical discussions on student welfare. A major stride towards increased access to technical education was announced by the Federal Government, alongside a pivotal change in JAMB's admission requirements for specific programmes. Universities and colleges nationwide began or continued their admission cycles for various programmes, offering diverse pathways for aspiring students. Meanwhile, crucial conversations around learning environments, academic burnout, and campus safety underscored a broader commitment to student well-being.

Government Policies Pave New Paths to Education

In a move set to reshape technical and vocational education, the Federal Government announced a review of tuition fees in Federal Technical Colleges, with a clear directive to eventually scrap tuition and other institutional fees. Speaking at the T-31 student selection exercise, Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Alausa, emphasized that this initiative aims to remove financial barriers, empowering young Nigerians with essential skills for employment and national development. The National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB) also highlighted strong performance in the 2026 National Common Entrance Examination (NCEE), with over 75% of candidates scoring 50% and above, ensuring a transparent, merit-based admission process for the 13,848 students who sat the exam.

Further broadening access, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) officially commenced registration for Nigeria Certificate in Education (NCE) and non-technological National Diploma (ND) agricultural programmes that are now exempt from the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). This landmark policy, announced by JAMB spokesperson Dr. Fabian Benjamin, allows candidates with requisite O'Level credits to register at Institutional Professional Registration Centres (IPRCs) or accredited JAMB Professional Registration Centres (PRCs), with a secure verification system via the Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS) ensuring academic standards.

Key Takeaways:

• Tuition-Free Technical Education: Federal Technical Colleges to scrap tuition fees, boosting TVET access.
• JAMB UTME Exemption: NCE and non-tech agricultural ND programs now exempt from UTME for direct registration.
• Focus on Skills: Government initiatives aim to empower youth with vocational and agricultural skills.

In legislative news, the House of Representatives passed a bill to establish the Federal College of Fisheries Technology and Marine Engineering in Ngo, Rivers State. This new institution is poised to bridge technical manpower gaps in Nigeria’s maritime sector, contributing significantly to the country’s blue economy.

Supporting basic education, the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), in collaboration with the Lagos State Universal Basic Education Board (LASUBEB), began distributing 15,675 teaching and learning materials to public primary schools in Lagos. This nationwide intervention, under the Federal Government’s Renewed Hope Agenda, aims to improve quality basic education, encourage enrolment, and ease the financial burden on parents.

Diverse Admission Opportunities Unfold Across Institutions

The week saw a flurry of admission announcements from various universities and colleges, offering prospective students numerous pathways to higher education for the 2024/2025 and 2026/2027 academic sessions.

Post-UTME and Direct Entry Screenings

Veritas University, Abuja, opened its Post-UTME and Direct Entry screening applications for the 2024/2025 academic session. Eligibility criteria vary, with minimum UTME scores of 220 for Law, 200 for Nursing and Pharmacy, and 170 for other programmes. Direct Entry and transfer candidates also have specific CGPA requirements and a N4,500 application fee.

Similarly, Anchor University, Lagos (AUL), commenced its Post-UTME/Direct Entry screening for the 2024/2025 academic year. Candidates with a minimum UTME score of 160 and five O’Level credits in relevant subjects, including English and Mathematics, are eligible to apply through the university's portal, with a wide array of programs in Sciences, Computing, Social Sciences, Management, Arts, Education, Law, and Architecture.

For Direct Entry applicants, the Federal University Otuoke (FUOTUOKE) in Bayelsa State launched its 2026/2027 Direct Entry Admission Screening registration. Eligible candidates, who made FUOTUOKE their first choice and possess NCE, OND, HND, First Degree, or A’Level certificates, must apply online with a N2,000 screening fee. The registration, which began on July 17, 2026, closes on August 17, 2026, with an emphasis on uploading all required documents to JAMB CAPS.

Foundation and A-Level Programmes

Students seeking alternative routes to university admission can apply for foundation programmes. The University of Delta (UNIDEL), Agbor, opened applications for its IJMB programme for the 2024/2025 session, designed as a pathway to various undergraduate degrees across its faculties. Similarly, Yusuf Maitama Sule University, Kano (YUMSUK), announced the opening of applications for its one-year IJMB programme for the 2024/2025 academic session, offering Direct Entry admission upon successful completion. Applicants require five SSCE/NECO credits, including English and Mathematics, with an application fee of N5,000. While the application closing date (May 31) and screening date (June 1) have passed, lectures commenced on July 1, 2026.

Edo State University, Iyamho (ESUI), also opened applications for its Joint Universities Preliminary Examinations Board (JUPEB) programme for the 2026/2027 academic session. This one-year foundation course provides direct entry into 200 Level without UTME, with specific O’Level requirements (e.g., single sitting for Medicine and Surgery). Successful candidates need 5 to 16 points for direct entry eligibility, depending on the programme, and a N20,000 application fee.

Nursing and Health Sciences Admissions

Several health institutions announced admissions into various nursing and health-related programmes:

• The College of Nursing Sciences, Alex Ekwueme Federal University Teaching Hospital Abakaliki (CONSAEFUTHA), had its Basic Nursing program admission forms on sale for the 2024/2025 session. The sale of forms ended on July 15, 2026, with the examination held on July 20, 2026. Applicants required five O’Level credits, including key science subjects, and JAMB registration with Nursing at AE-FUNAI as their institution of choice.
• The Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital (ATBUTH), Bauchi, announced admissions for its Post-Basic Perioperative Nursing programme for the 2024/2025 academic year. Registered nurses with current practicing licenses and five O’Level credits can apply, with form sales running until August 1, 2026. The entrance examination is scheduled for August 12, 2026, followed by an interview on August 13, 2026.
• Al-Ma’arif College of Nursing Sciences had its admission forms for the Nursing Programme for the 2024/2025 academic session recently available, with the application period closing on June 7, 2024, and an entrance exam on June 8, 2024.
• Similarly, the School of Basic Midwifery, Awgu (SOBMA), Enugu State, had recently closed applications for its 2024/2025 academic session, with the form submission deadline on June 7, 2024.
• Looking ahead, the National Ear Care Centre (NECC), Kaduna, opened admissions for its Diploma in Audiology Technician Programme for the 2026/2027 academic session. The two-year programme requires five O’Level credits, including English, Mathematics, Biology, Physics, and one other science subject. Application forms go on sale from August 3, 2026, with a deadline of September 30, 2026.

Admission Lists Released

Liyu College of Health Sciences and Technology (LCHST), Keffi, released its First Batch Admission List for the 2026/2027 academic session. Successful candidates are advised to commence admission acceptance and registration from Monday, July 27, 2026.

Enhancing the Learning Environment & Student Wellbeing

Beyond admissions, the well-being of students and the quality of their learning environments remained a critical focus in recent discussions and initiatives.

A report from Edugist highlighted the stark reality of overcrowded classrooms in Nigerian schools, a "persistent yet normalized challenge" affecting millions of learners. Many classrooms accommodate 60, 80, or even over 100 students, far exceeding recommended capacities. This overcrowding hinders effective teaching, limits individual attention, and makes interactive learning difficult, contributing to teacher burnout and reducing academic outcomes. The report called for urgent investment in infrastructure, increased teacher recruitment, and thoughtful educational planning to address this systemic issue.

Another poignant article from Edugist addressed the alarming rise of academic burnout among teenagers. Attributed to intense academic pressure, competitive environments, parental expectations, and social media influence, this chronic stress leads to physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion. The piece underscored that burnout impacts concentration, emotional health, and relationships, urging parents, educators, and policymakers to foster healthier learning environments that balance academic achievement with student well-being and promote rest as essential for effective learning.

In response to such challenges, the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Education and UBEC, intensified its National Policy on Anti-Bullying. A sensitisation workshop urged students to "If you see something, say something," reinforcing the commitment to eliminate bullying and ensure safe, inclusive learning environments nationwide. The Ministry noted a decline in reported bullying cases due to sustained awareness campaigns and policy implementation.

Supporting holistic student development, the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC) organized a financial literacy outreach in Ebonyi State. The workshop, held at Urban Model Secondary School, educated secondary students on personal finance management, smart spending, and bank deposit protection, promoting financial inclusion under the "Small Money Talks" campaign.

For those navigating the complexities of tertiary education admissions, a comprehensive guide titled "10 Things That Determine Post-UTME Success" offered valuable advice. It emphasized the importance of a thorough understanding of the UTME syllabus, early preparation, knowledge of institutional examination patterns, and consistent practice with past questions, alongside physical and mental well-being, confidence, and a positive mindset.

Campus Life & Institutional Milestones

This week also featured notable achievements and a somber incident within the academic community.

In a proud moment for Nigerian academia, Ms. Amra Salihu, a 500-level Law student from the University of Abuja (UNIABUJA), emerged as the overall winner of the 9th Inter-Universities Speech Contest organized by the Intergovernmental Action Group Against Money Laundering in West Africa (GIABA). Ms. Salihu represented Nigeria with distinction in Freetown, Sierra Leone, outshining competitors from other West African nations and earning a champion's plaque, certificate, and a cash prize. Vice-Chancellor Professor Hakeem Fawehinmi lauded the law faculty's consistent excellence.

However, the week also brought tragic news with the recovery of the body of 28-year-old Enoch Sunday Maisamari, a 200-level Microbiology student of the Federal University of Kashere (FUK), Gombe State. Maisamari, who had been missing since July 19, 2026, after attending a graduation party, was found in a stagnant water body near Kashere town, prompting grief across the university community.

In a significant institutional milestone, Taraba State Polytechnic, Suntai, announced its first-ever convocation ceremony, scheduled to hold from Thursday, July 30, to Saturday, August 1, 2026. This historic three-day event will honor eligible graduates spanning three decades, from the institution's inception in 1995 through the 2025 academic year, marking a defining moment of academic excellence and institutional growth.

Finally, the Federal University of Lafia (FULAFIA) issued a directive for all undergraduate students to pay their second-semester school fees and prescribed charges by Friday, July 24, 2026. Students were also mandated to collect examination cards by July 31, 2026, with NELFUND beneficiaries required to pay first to facilitate future refunds. This strict deadline emphasizes the importance of timely financial compliance for a smooth academic process.

Looking Ahead

As the academic calendar progresses, students and institutions have several important dates and processes to note. Liyu College of Health Sciences and Technology, Keffi, begins its first batch admission acceptance on July 27, 2026. The National Ear Care Centre, Kaduna, will start selling forms for its Diploma in Audiology Technician programme on August 3, 2026. For nursing aspirants, ATBUTH Bauchi's Post-Basic Perioperative Nursing form sales conclude on August 1, 2026, with the entrance exam and interview slated for mid-August.

The Federal University Otuoke (FUOTUOKE) Direct Entry admission screening registration continues until August 17, 2026. Additionally, the historic maiden convocation of Taraba State Polytechnic is just around the corner, from July 30 to August 1, 2026. Students at FULAFIA must ensure school fees payment by July 24 and exam card collection by July 31 to avoid academic disruptions.

The dialogues on overcrowded classrooms and academic burnout will undoubtedly continue, urging stakeholders to work collaboratively towards creating more conducive and supportive learning environments for all Nigerian students.