The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has sounded alarm over 2,658 illegal admissions carried out during the 2024/2025 academic session across Nigerian tertiary institutions.
According to a breakdown obtained in Abuja, the flagged admissions span 17 universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education. The revelation came just as public universities concluded admissions for the 2025/2026 academic session on Friday.
The Affected Institutions
JAMB’s institutional analysis revealed the following breakdown of illegal admissions:
1. Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University – 1,847 cases.
2. Osun State University – 492 case
3. Abubakar Tafari Ali Polytechnic – 148 cases.
4. Federal College of Animal and Health Production – 66 cases.
5. University of Calabar – 28 cases.
6. College of Education, Oro – 12 cases.
7. Michael and Cecilia Ibru University – 12 case.
8. Redeemer’s University – 5 cases
9. Pan-Atlantic University – 5 cases
10. Nigerian Army College of Education – 2 cases
11. Kwara State Polytechnic – 1 case
12. Best Solution Polytechnic – 1 case
13. And other institutions yet to be named.
JAMB noted that “admissions conducted outside its Central Admissions Processing System, popularly known as CAPS, are illegal.”
Why JAMB Is Concerned
Over the years, JAMB has repeatedly warned institutions and candidates about the dangers of issuing or accepting admissions outside CAPS. The system, introduced in 2017, was designed to “ensure transparency, fairness, and merit-based admissions,” according to the board.
Through CAPS, candidates can track offers, accept or reject admissions, and verify their status. Yet, some schools continue to bypass the process, eroding public confidence in Nigeria’s admission structure.
Government Vows Sanctions
During the 2025 Policy Meeting on Admissions, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, issued a stern warning. He said “severe sanctions, including withdrawal of assets and punishment of officials, would be meted out to institutions involved in illegal admission racketeering.”
Furthermore, JAMB cautioned that “students who accept admissions outside CAPS risk ineligibility for the mandatory National Youth Service Scheme.”
Students Urged to Take Action
Education stakeholders have condemned the development as a serious breach of trust. Many are calling for stronger compliance checks and full accountability for erring schools.
To prevent future occurrences, JAMB advises all students to verify their admission status through the official JAMB CAPS portal before accepting any offer.
How to Check Your Admission on CAPS
1. Visit https://efacility.jamb.gov.ng
2. Log in with your email and JAMB password
3. Click “Check Admission Status” under CAPS
4. Select your year and enter your JAMB registration number
5. Review your status and click “Accept” or “Reject” as appropriate
As JAMB intensifies its monitoring, the message to candidates and institutions is unmistakable — every legitimate admission must pass through CAPS. Anything else could cost students their academic future and national service eligibility.