Is JAMB Still Needed for Admission in Nigeria? Here’s the Truth (2025 Update)
In recent weeks, social media has been buzzing with rumors that the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) is no longer required for admission into Nigerian universities, polytechnics, or colleges of education.
Many students began to wonder if they still needed to register for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME).
But how true is this claim? Let’s break down the facts, what the government has said, and what it means for admission seekers in 2025.
The truth: JAMB is still required for admission in Nigeria
The Federal Ministry of Education and JAMB have officially debunked the viral news. According to
Punch Newspapers,
the government described the reports as “false and misleading.”
JAMB also released an official statement confirming that the UTME remains the recognized gateway for tertiary admissions across the country.
The Ministry emphasized that JAMB was established by law to conduct entrance examinations and coordinate admissions.
No institution, whether public or private, can completely remove JAMB from the process without a formal policy change or amendment to existing education laws.
In short, as of 2025, you still need to write JAMB to gain admission into most tertiary institutions in Nigeria.
Why the confusion started
The rumor about JAMB being scrapped started after several posts circulated online claiming that students could now gain admission with just their WAEC or NECO results.
These posts cited examples of schools that admitted students without requiring JAMB, but they failed to explain that such cases apply only to specific categories — like online universities or direct-entry programs.
Unfortunately, misinformation spreads fast on social media. Many students, parents, and even some teachers believed the news without verifying it.
But as education authorities have clarified, the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) remains Nigeria’s official entry test for higher education.
A quick background: JAMB’s role in Nigerian education
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) was created in 1978 to standardize the admission process across Nigeria.
Before its creation, each university conducted its own entrance exam, leading to duplication, irregularities, and lack of coordination.
Today, JAMB’s Computer-Based Test (CBT) ensures fairness, transparency, and national coordination through the Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS).
CAPS helps prevent multiple admissions, verifies candidates’ details, and ensures all institutions follow the same admission calendar.
Are there schools that admit without JAMB?
Yes, but these are exceptions — not the general rule. Certain institutions and programs allow students to gain admission without sitting for UTME. Examples include:
- Miva Open University – Nigeria’s first fully licensed online university announced that applicants can gain admission using only their WAEC, NECO, or NABTEB results. This model targets working-class adults and distance learners. (Legit.ng report)
- IJMB, JUPEB, and A-Level Programs – These are advanced-level programs that allow students to enter the university at 200-level through Direct Entry, bypassing UTME. However, candidates still register through JAMB’s Direct Entry portal for documentation.
- National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN) – The open and distance learning university often admits students without requiring JAMB scores, especially for part-time or lifelong learning courses.
- Some private universities – A few privately owned institutions admit based on internal assessments, though most still process results through JAMB for official recognition and NYSC eligibility.
While these exceptions exist, JAMB remains the main route for students seeking traditional, full-time admission into most federal and state institutions.
Why JAMB remains important
Even with new learning models emerging, JAMB continues to play a vital role in maintaining standardization.
Here are a few reasons why the exam is still needed:
- Fairness: Every candidate is tested under the same conditions nationwide.
- Central coordination: Through CAPS, JAMB ensures each candidate holds only one valid admission offer at a time.
- Quality assurance: It helps universities filter candidates to meet departmental cut-off marks.
- NYSC and record verification: Admission through JAMB ensures that a student’s record is recognized by the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) after graduation.
How students should prepare for 2026 admissions
For candidates planning to enter higher institutions in 2026, the message is clear — prepare for JAMB.
Register early, study hard, and stay updated on official announcements from JAMB’s website (www.jamb.gov.ng) and the Ministry of Education.
Avoid relying on social media rumors or posts without credible sources.
If any school advertises admission without JAMB, always verify on the National Universities Commission (NUC) website to ensure it’s accredited and recognized.
Expert opinions
Education analysts believe that while flexible options like online learning and professional programs are welcome,
scrapping JAMB would create chaos in Nigeria’s education system.
According to Dr. Tunde Akinwale, an education consultant in Lagos, “JAMB ensures every student faces a unified standard.
Without it, admissions would become unregulated, and corruption could increase.”
Similarly, student bodies like NANS have advised young Nigerians not to fall for false news but instead focus on preparing for upcoming UTME exams.
“Misinformation can ruin your admission chances,” said one NANS representative during a radio interview in Abuja.
Conclusion: What you should do now
The claim that “JAMB is no longer required” is false. As of 2025, the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) remains the key requirement for most admissions in Nigeria.
However, new flexible learning models like Miva Open University, NOUN, and direct-entry programs provide alternatives for those who prefer online or advanced entry routes.
In summary, JAMB is still needed for admission in Nigeria — unless you are applying through specific exceptions.
Always verify information through official channels before making academic decisions.
Related Posts:
Education News |
About Us |
Contact Us
Other Related Posts:
Punch Nigeria,
PM News,
Legit.ng
© 2025 Alphayem.com.ng | Education updates and career guidance for Nigerian students.
