ABSTRACT This study aims at investigating the effects of and the predictive capability of admission criteria on students' academic performances in higher institutions. For this, data on results and student's demographic characteristics were collected from the department of Economics, FCE Zaria, Nigeria. In order to capture plausible relationships and deterministic effects between the variables used, the study employed the use of a binary dependent model (logit model). The results from the model estimated showed consistency in the adequacy of the current admission criteria. It also espoused the need for emphasis on UME results rather than WASSCE or NECO results which should be interpreted with caution. Demographic characteristics of students showed better performances from students below 22 years old, feminine and are from the southern region of the country. Thus it was recommended that, the current admission criteria should be maintained as it adequately predicts students' academic performances in higher institutions, but caution should be used when interpreting WASSCE and NECO results of students
