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The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has raised alarm over an alleged plot by some tertiary institutions in Nigeria to sidestep its official admission procedures and guidelines. The board described the move as a serious breach of national admission standards designed to promote transparency, fairness, and merit-based selection across the country’s higher education system.
According to JAMB, intelligence gathered from internal monitoring and recent audits revealed attempts by certain universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education to admit students outside the Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS) — a platform established to ensure that all admissions are properly screened and approved.
JAMB Warns Against Illegal Admissions
In a statement issued by the board’s spokesman, JAMB expressed deep concern that some institutions are still attempting to manipulate the admission process despite repeated warnings and sanctions in the past.
The board emphasized that any admission conducted outside the CAPS framework is illegal, null, and void. It warned that institutions found culpable would face strict penalties, including withdrawal of accreditation for the affected programmes, cancellation of illegal admissions, and possible prosecution of those involved.
“JAMB wishes to remind all tertiary institutions that the admission process in Nigeria is governed by clear guidelines and is subject to strict oversight. Any attempt to violate these guidelines undermines the integrity of the entire education system and will be met with decisive action,” the statement read.
Violations Threaten Merit and Equity
The admission guidelines set by JAMB require that all institutions upload their admission lists through CAPS for approval, ensuring that every candidate admitted meets the national minimum standard.
However, reports indicate that some schools have been granting admissions through back channels including direct entries, part-time programs, or “foundation courses” without the board’s authorization. Such practices, according to JAMB, erode the credibility of tertiary education and encourage corruption in the admission process.
Education analysts argue that when institutions bypass JAMB’s central system, they open the door to nepotism, bribery, and unfair advantages for unqualified candidates at the expense of deserving students.
CAPS as a Tool for Transparency
Introduced in 2017, the Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS) was designed to automate and standardize admission procedures across all Nigerian tertiary institutions. It ensures that only qualified candidates, who meet the required cut-off marks and subject combinations, are admitted into their chosen programmes.
The platform also empowers applicants to track their admission status, accept or reject offers, and reduce cases of fraud and double admission.
JAMB officials insist that any institution attempting to undermine CAPS is directly sabotaging efforts to reform Nigeria’s higher education sector and restore public confidence in the admission process.
Sanctions Loom for Defiant Institutions
The board revealed that it had already begun compiling a list of institutions involved in the alleged infractions. These schools are expected to face disciplinary measures, ranging from public naming to suspension of admission privileges.
JAMB also announced plans to publish details of institutions that continue to defy its regulations, so prospective students and parents can be adequately informed before applying.
“The era of impunity is over,” the statement continued. “No institution, no matter its status, will be allowed to conduct illegal admissions and expect JAMB to regularize such acts. We are determined to protect the integrity of Nigeria’s tertiary education system.”
Calls for Cooperation from Stakeholders
JAMB urged vice-chancellors, rectors, and provosts to cooperate fully with the board by adhering to established guidelines. It also called on state governments and education ministries to support the enforcement of compliance across all public and private institutions.
Parents and students were equally advised to confirm the legitimacy of their admission offers on the official JAMB portal before making any payments or proceeding with registration at their chosen schools.
The board noted that many students have in the past fallen victim to fake admission letters or found themselves stranded after discovering that their admissions were not recognized by JAMB.
Education Experts Back JAMB’s Move
Education stakeholders have commended JAMB for its vigilance, noting that unchecked admission violations would worsen existing problems of poor academic quality and unemployability among graduates.
Dr. Tunde Akinyemi, an education policy analyst, said: “Illegal admissions are a silent crisis in Nigeria’s higher education. Some schools are admitting candidates who didn’t even sit for the UTME, and that undermines meritocracy. JAMB’s intervention is critical to restoring standards.”
He also recommended that JAMB work more closely with the National Universities Commission (NUC) and other regulatory bodies to identify and sanction institutions that consistently flout guidelines.
Ensuring the Integrity of Nigerian Admissions
JAMB reiterated that it remains committed to ensuring fairness, transparency, and accountability in the country’s admission process. The board reminded the public that every candidate seeking tertiary education must be properly screened, tested, and cleared through the official system.
The registrar, Professor Ishaq Oloyede, has repeatedly maintained that JAMB will not compromise on merit and national standards, regardless of pressure from interest groups. He also reassured Nigerians that reforms introduced in recent years have significantly reduced corruption and malpractice in university admissions.
Conclusion
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board’s discovery of attempts by some tertiary institutions to manipulate the admission process underscores the urgent need for continued vigilance and reform in Nigeria’s education system.
By standing firm against illegal admissions and reinforcing the authority of CAPS, JAMB is taking a bold stand for merit-based education, transparency, and accountability. The board’s warning sends a clear message that the era of backdoor admissions and unregulated practices is coming to an end, and only integrity-driven institutions will thrive in Nigeria’s evolving academic landscape.
