Kano State Polytechnic has announced significant changes to the structure and progression requirements of its Pre-National Diploma (Pre-ND) programmes. The decision was approved during the institution’s 107th Academic Board meeting held on February 9, 2026, and later communicated through the Academic Affairs Division.

The revised policy introduces stricter and clearer conditions for students seeking progression from the Pre-ND level into full National Diploma (ND) programmes. According to the Polytechnic, the reforms are designed to align its admission and transition processes with the standards set by the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) and the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB).

The new guidelines redefine the Pre-ND programme as a structured preparatory pathway rather than an automatic route into ND studies.

Academic Requirement and O’Level Remediation

Under the updated policy, candidates with a minimum of three relevant O’Level credits may still gain admission into the Pre-ND programme. This approach maintains inclusivity by giving students who did not initially meet the five-credit requirement another opportunity.

However, admission into Pre-ND does not guarantee progression to ND I. Students admitted with three or four credits must complete their O’Level deficiencies during the Pre-ND year. This typically involves sitting for recognized external examinations such as WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB.

The Polytechnic has made it clear that no student will move to the National Diploma level without presenting the required O’Level results that meet departmental standards. This ensures uniform academic quality among all ND students, whether admitted directly or through the Pre-ND route.

Mandatory UTME Requirement

Another major change is the introduction of a compulsory Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) requirement for students seeking absorption into ND programmes.

Students must obtain a valid UTME result before they can be considered for admission into ND I. This measure ensures that all admitted students are properly registered under JAMB’s Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS).

The institution explained that this requirement is essential for:

• Ensuring national recognition of diplomas
  
• Maintaining accurate student records
  
• Meeting eligibility conditions for NYSC, HND, and further academic pursuits
  
• Upholding national admission standards
  

With this update, the Pre-ND programme can no longer be used as a substitute for the UTME process.

Passing the Pre-ND Examination

In addition to meeting O’Level and UTME requirements, students must successfully pass the internal Pre-ND examinations.

The Pre-ND year is structured to strengthen students’ foundations in English Language, Mathematics, and other relevant core subjects. Progression to ND I will depend on satisfactory academic performance in these internal assessments.

The Academic Board emphasized that payment of fees or attendance alone will not qualify a student for absorption. Only those who meet the academic performance benchmark will advance.

Implementation and Awareness

The circular announcing the changes was signed by Ado Haruna Umar, Assistant Registrar (Academic), on behalf of the Registrar. It directed all principal officers, academic staff, and students to ensure the information receives wide circulation.

Departments are expected to incorporate the new conditions into their screening and advisory processes, while students are urged to carefully follow the outlined requirements to avoid setbacks.

A New Direction for Pre-ND Education

With these reforms, Kano State Polytechnic has strengthened the integrity of its Pre-ND programme by replacing automatic progression with a merit-based system.

The institution maintains that the revised structure balances opportunity with accountability. Students who successfully complete the Pre-ND pathway will enter the ND programme fully prepared and academically qualified.

As the 2026 academic session approaches, prospective and current students are encouraged to familiarize themselves with these updated guidelines and prepare accordingly.