JAMB Demands Disclosure of Illegal Admissions by Institutions

JAMB has mandated that all Nigerian higher institutions disclose details of candidates admitted illegally before 2017 within one month or face losing recognition, as part of efforts to curb illegal admissions and enforce compliance with the Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS).

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has instructed all higher institutions in Nigeria to disclose details of candidates they admitted illegally before 2017 within one month or risk losing recognition. Dr. Fabian Benjamin, JAMB’s Public Communication Advisor, made this announcement during a press briefing at the board’s headquarters in Abuja.

The directive follows JAMB’s decision to stop allowing institutions to regularize illegal admissions through the “Condonment of Illegal Admissions” process if the candidates lack registration numbers. This measure aims to prevent illegal admissions, falsification of records, and ensure compliance with the Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS).

JAMB previously asked institutions to report illegitimate admissions made outside CAPS between 2017 and 2020 due to misuse of the system. Despite a waiver allowing institutions to transition to CAPS in 2020, some institutions continued admitting students outside this platform and backdating these admissions to fit within the permitted timeframe. Consequently, JAMB has decided to end the practice of introducing unregistered candidates into the system.

The disclosure period began on August 1, with institutions required to report these illegal admissions within the month. JAMB has warned that any further undisclosed admissions will not be tolerated, and candidates should seek education through legitimate channels.

Benjamin also cautioned against enrolling in unapproved part-time programs like “daily part-time” courses offered by some polytechnics and “Top-up” programs by certain universities. He clarified that these programs are not recognized by the National Board for Technical Education or the National Universities Commission, and graduates from such programs will not be eligible for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme.

Lastly, JAMB reaffirmed that only candidates who are at least 16 years old at the time of admission will be considered for the 2024 admission cycle, following the directive of the 2024 tertiary admissions policy meeting chaired by Prof. Tahir Mamman, the Minister of Education.

READ ALSO: JAMB Warns Parents Against Falsifying Wards’ Ages for Admission

SOURCES: ALLSCHOOL, PUNCH