The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has issued a stern one-month ultimatum to all tertiary institutions in Nigeria, demanding they disclose all admissions conducted outside its Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS) before 2017. This directive, announced by JAMB’s Public Communication Advisor, Dr. Fabian Benjamin, aims to bolster transparency and fairness in the admissions process.
Dr. Benjamin, speaking on behalf of JAMB’s Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, stated, “The attention of the board has been drawn to the predilection of some institutions to admit candidates outside the approved Central Admissions Processing System platform and process such through the condonement of illegal admissions window to accord legitimacy.”
From August 1, 2024, institutions are required to reveal any candidates admitted illegally before 2017. Failure to comply within the specified period means such admissions will not be recognized or condoned by JAMB. This ultimatum is a decisive step to curb illegal admissions and falsification of records, ensuring institutions adhere strictly to CAPS protocols.
Benjamin highlighted persistent issues with institutions colluding with candidates to manipulate admissions details, a practice that has enabled fraudulent participation in the National Youth Service Corps scheme. Despite previous warnings, some institutions continue these practices, seeking “Condonement of Undisclosed Illegal Institutional Admission.”
In response, JAMB has terminated the aspect of the CUIIA process allowing completely unregistered candidates to be integrated into the system. “CAPS is the only authorised platform for admissions. Those who even have registration but were illegally admitted between the period (2017-2020) would soon be denied the opportunity of the waiver unless they are disclosed within the next one month,” Benjamin emphasized.
Additionally, JAMB reiterated that the minimum age for admission into tertiary institutions for the 2024/2025 session remains 16 years. “For the 2024 admission cycle, candidates who will be at least 16 years old at the time of admission will be considered eligible,” he confirmed. This decision follows directives from the 2024 tertiary admission policy meeting led by the Minister of Education, Prof. Tahir Mamman.
Benjamin also expressed concern over emerging dubious admission practices by some polytechnics and universities, such as the “Daily-Part-Time” programs advertised by Adeseun Ogundoyin Polytechnic in Oyo State. “It is crucial to clarify that no such programmes are approved by the National Board for Technical Education nor by the National Universities Commission,” Benjamin warned.
