The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has issued a stern warning to Nigerian universities. The examination body directed institutions to reverse irregular admissions immediately.
Specifically, JAMB cautioned against admitting lower-ranked candidates while bypassing higher-ranked ones.
The directive reinforces JAMB’s commitment to transparency in university admissions. It also emphasizes strict adherence to established admission guidelines across all tertiary institutions.
Understanding JAMB’S Three-Tier Admission Policy
According to JAMB’s policy, university admission operates on three categories. These are 45% merit, 35% catchment area, and 20% for Educationally Less Developed States (ELDS). These percentages guide how institutions allocate admission slots.
Furthermore, JAMB’s Public Communication Advisor, Fabian Benjamin, provided clarification. He stated that university admissions operate on a three-tier policy. The statement said “each tier is guided strictly by merit, such that candidates with higher rankings must be selected first, followed by others in descending order.”
Additionally, Benjamin emphasized the Board’s zero-tolerance stance. “Any situation in which a better-ranked candidate is skipped for a lower-ranked candidate under any of these categories will not be tolerated by the Board,” he declared.
Merit-based selection remains paramount across all three tiers. Consequently, institutions must follow ranking protocols strictly. Higher-ranked candidates receive priority regardless of the admission category.
JAMB Dismisses False Allegations Against University of Nigeria, Nsukka
Recently, allegations surfaced regarding irregular admission practices at UNN. However, JAMB dismissed these claims after thorough investigation. The Board identified the allegations as unfounded.
Moreover, JAMB pointed to a recurring pattern. The Board dismissed a recent allegation promoted by certain individuals. These individuals habitually instigate candidates to raise unfounded issues. Their motivation appears to be personal gain.
The investigation focused on a specific candidate’s case. “Upon investigation, the candidate cited in the allegation, who was claimed to have scored highly but was not admitted by the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), was found not to have been disadvantaged, as several higher-ranked candidates were ahead of her on the admission list,” the statement revealed.
“Consequently, her non-admission was in line with due process of not ranking high enough to be on the selected limit,” the statement read. The candidate simply did not rank high enough for admission. Several other candidates had better rankings on the admission list.
This case illustrates JAMB’s commitment to protecting institutions. The Board investigates all allegations thoroughly before drawing conclusions. It also protects deserving candidates from misinformation.
Implications for Higher Institutions and Candidates
JAMB’s directive carries significant implications for universities nationwide. Institutions must review their admission processes immediately. Any irregular admissions must be reversed without delay.
Schools recommend candidates based on merit, catchment, or quota, while JAMB validates these recommendations to ensure compliance with national policies. This shared responsibility ensures transparency throughout the admission process.
For prospective students, this directive provides reassurance. The merit-based system protects qualified candidates from unfair practices. Those with higher rankings receive appropriate consideration.
However, candidates must remain vigilant. They should verify their admission status through official JAMB channels. The Central Admission Processing System (CAPS) serves as the primary verification platform.
JAMB continues monitoring institutional compliance closely. The Board maintains its mandate to ensure fairness. Universities that violate these guidelines face serious consequences.
Ultimately, this directive reinforces Nigeria’s commitment to educational equity. Merit remains the cornerstone of university admission. JAMB’s vigilance protects the integrity of Nigeria’s higher education system.