JAMB Clarifies Regulatory Role in Basola Jamiu Owodunni’s Admission Controversy

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board, JAMB has Clarified Regulatory Role in Basola Jamiu Owodunni’s Admission Controversy

The role of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) is primarily regulatory. The Board scrutinizes and approves candidates recommended for admissions by the institutions and ensures that only those who meet the requisite requirements are considered.

This process that aligns with the three foundational principles of admission as established by the proprietors of tertiary institutions is facilitated through the Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS) – a tripodal procedure that includes: the institutions, the Board and candidates for transparency in admission; the tool since introduced in 2017 has been instrumental to checkmating illegal processes in candidates’ placements across tertiary institutions in the country over time.

In all these, the Board does not have the authority to propose or recommend candidates for admission, it only approves those recommended by the institutions. A candidate is recognized by JAMB only if he/she has fulfilled all necessary conditions and has been recommended by the institution. This is rooted in the legal framework that mandates no institution to admit any candidate without the Board’s approval.

It is important for the public to understand this regulatory role, particularly in the case of Basola Jamiu Owodunni, who remains an unknown entity to the Board concerning admission. Emotions have no place in the enforcement of laws; the provisions are explicit. While there may be no dispute regarding his attendance at the university in question, JAMB asserts that he is not admitted by its records as he did not follow due process, and the Board lacks the power to insert him on the platform for him to be visible to the NYSC and other stakeholders.

Previously, there might have been possibilities for unauthorized admissions from tertiary institutions, but such a process has been prohibited. Aside from that, there is no record indicating that Basola was processed for admission even through such channels. The narrative of him being an orphan or from a disadvantaged background should not serve as emotional leverage in this matter. The fight against backdoor admissions transcends class, background, or personal circumstances.

All stakeholders in the education sector understand the importance of adhering to established rules and regulations, especially regarding admissions. Basola’s situation is further complicated by his possession of a document that did not originate from our system. It is crucial for him to disclose how he acquired this document, which would assist in clarifying his case.

We urge the public to approach such issues with objectivity, as rules and regulations should not be compromised for the sake of sympathy.

One of our core philosophies is to protect the rights of all candidates against exploitation, and we will not hesitate to support Basola if he is found to be in compliance with the law.

In our collective quest for compassion, it is vital to treat compliance issues with caution to avoid being perceived as complicit in wrongdoing. We have seen individuals making unfounded claims that are defamatory and libelous.

Basola is not the only one in this mess; there have been instances where officials at some institutions have been arrested for manufacturing fraudulent admission letters, following confessions from candidates involved.

We also advise those who have been vocally critical of JAMB on almost everything they hear to be mindful of their positions.

This serves as a reminder that candidates should only accept admission offers that are first processed through CAPS and printed accordingly. The experience of others who have deviated from this process should serve as a cautionary tale.

Fabian Benjamin, Ph.D.,
PCA JAMB

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