JAMB uncovers 9,469 illegal admissions by 20 tertiary institutions
JAMB
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has uncovered 9,469 illegal admissions conducted by 20 tertiary institutions across Nigeria during the 2024 academic session.
In a statement, the board revealed that the affected institutions bypassed the Central Admission Processing System (CAPS)—the official platform designed to ensure transparency and merit-based selection in Nigeria’s tertiary education system. CAPS enables prospective students to track their admission status and ensures compliance with set institutional and national criteria.
Despite the platform’s mandatory use, several institutions admitted candidates without proper authorisation. Topping the list was Kano State University of Science and Technology, with 2,215 unauthorized admissions. It was followed by Ladoke Akintola University of Technology with 1,215, and Gombe State University with 1,164.
Other implicated institutions include Emmanuel Alayande University of Education, Federal University of Technology, Owerri, Ambrose Alli University, Igbinedion University, Akwa Ibom Polytechnic, the College of Nursing at the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Igbobi, Achievers University, the Nigeria Police Academy, Abia State Polytechnic, Osun State University, Federal University, Lafia, and Niger State Polytechnic.
JAMB warned that any student admitted outside the CAPS process will not be eligible for mobilisation into the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
Reiterating the board’s stance, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, during the 2025 JAMB Policy Meeting in Abuja, declared such admissions illegal and subject to serious penalties. Sanctions could include the withdrawal of institutional licences and the prosecution of complicit officials and governing council members.
Dr. Alausa emphasized that all admissions must adhere strictly to established procedures, as the federal government remains committed to restoring integrity and accountability to Nigeria’s tertiary education system.
