JAMBHQ Clarifies Admission Roles and Warns Institutions on Unauthorized Practices

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), under the leadership of Prof. Is-haq Oloyede, continues to set the record straight on the admission process into Nigerian tertiary institutions. At the latest briefing, Oloyede addressed key issues such as cut-off marks, unauthorized admission forms, non-regular programmes, and examination integrity. His remarks not only clarified JAMB’s role but also highlighted ongoing reforms to ensure fairness, transparency, and accountability in Nigeria’s education system.

JAMB Does Not Set Minimum Cut-Off Marks

Contrary to popular belief, JAMB is not directly responsible for setting the minimum admission scores, often referred to as cut-off marks. Prof. Oloyede emphasized that each institution — universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education — has the right to determine its own minimum score, provided it does not fall below the national benchmark agreed upon during policy meetings.

He also explained that meeting the minimum cut-off mark does not guarantee admission. Institutions consider several other factors such as departmental quotas, merit, state of origin, and available facilities before granting admission. This clarification helps candidates understand that the admission process is more competitive than just reaching the cut-off.

For more updates on education policies, check our Education section.

Institutions Warned Against Selling Unauthorized Forms

JAMB issued a stern warning to higher institutions that continue to sell unauthorized admission forms. According to Oloyede, all admission processes must go through JAMB’s Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS). This system was introduced to eliminate fraud, ensure accountability, and give candidates a transparent view of their admission status.

Institutions bypassing CAPS by selling “in-house” forms risk facing government sanctions. JAMB further urged parents and candidates not to fall victim to such illegal practices but to always process applications through official JAMB channels.

Adebowale Commends JAMB’s Reforms

Adding his voice to JAMB’s reforms, Prof. Kayode Adebowale, Vice-Chancellor of the prestigious University of Ibadan, praised Prof. Oloyede for his remarkable contributions to the Nigerian education sector. He highlighted the success of the Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS) in enhancing fairness and credibility.

Adebowale stressed that CAPS has significantly reduced malpractice in the admission process, ensuring that only qualified candidates are admitted based on merit and transparency. He also lauded Oloyede’s leadership in fostering collaboration between JAMB and institutions, a development that has helped restore trust in the system.

To see more stories on campus reforms, visit our Campus Life page.

New Guidelines for Non-Regular Programmes

JAMB announced new guidelines for candidates applying for non-regular programmes such as part-time studies, sandwich programmes, distance learning, and open university courses. Going forward, all applicants must generate a profile code using their National Identification Number (NIN) before registration.

This move, according to JAMB, will ensure a standardized and seamless process across all institutions. It also prevents fraud and enhances data integrity by centralizing all admission processes under the JAMB platform. The profile creation process is available all year round, making it flexible for prospective candidates.

For candidates who wish to start their NIN process, you can learn more at the National Identity Management Commission (NIMC).

British Council Reassures JAMB on Exam Integrity

In another development, the British Council reassured JAMB of the integrity of the Cambridge A-Level examinations. During a courtesy visit to JAMB headquarters, the Council’s Director of Programmes, Mr. Chikodi Onyemereca, detailed the rigorous measures in place to maintain high standards and prevent examination malpractice.

Prof. Oloyede acknowledged the British Council’s commitment and suggested further strengthening the process by incorporating the National Identification Number (NIN) into candidate verification. This, he argued, would provide a more reliable means of tracking candidates across different examinations in Nigeria.

Conclusion

From admission guidelines to exam integrity, JAMB continues to play a central role in shaping Nigeria’s educational landscape. The Registrar’s clarifications and reforms highlight a commitment to fairness, transparency, and modernization of admission processes.

As Prof. Oloyede noted, candidates should always remember that meeting cut-off marks does not equal automatic admission, and all applications must be processed through CAPS. With continued collaboration among stakeholders such as the University of Ibadan and the British Council, Nigerian education is gradually achieving global competitiveness.

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