The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has reiterated that the onus of declaring illegal admissions rests more with tertiary institutions than with students.
This clarification follows the board’s recent directive giving institutions a one-month ultimatum, starting in early August, to declare all admissions processed outside of the Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS).
JAMB introduced CAPS in 2017 to centralise and regulate admissions into Nigerian tertiary institutions, ensuring transparency in the process.
However, it was discovered that over one million students were admitted outside this system between 2017 and 2020. A subsequent ministerial waiver led to the regularisation of these admissions due to their overwhelming numbers.
Despite this, JAMB has expressed concern that some institutions continue to admit students outside of CAPS and attempt to bypass the system by backdating these admissions. The board has warned that any vice chancellor, provost, or rector who engages in such practices will face severe sanctions.
In a statement issued by JAMB’s Public Relations Officer, Fabian Benjamin, the board underscored the importance of institutions complying with the directive to disclose all candidates admitted outside CAPS before the August 31, 2024, deadline.
The statement also noted that while many candidates have been coming forward to self-report issues related to non-disclosure of admissions outside CAPS, the focus should remain on the actions of the institutions.
“While we appreciate the enthusiasm, we must correct the misconception that the focus is on candidates’ actions,” JAMB said.
“The true emphasis lies with the institutions, which must disclose all candidates admitted outside CAPS before the August 31st, 2024 deadline. This directive requires immediate attention and compliance.”
The board urged all tertiary institutions to review the initial directive and ensure full compliance to avoid any repercussions.
JAMB also reminded candidates not to accept any admissions processed outside CAPS.
