JAMB Assures Merit-Based Admissions, Calls for Complaints on Irregularities

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has urged candidates and parents to report any case of alleged unfair denial of admission despite meeting the required criteria in the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). The Registrar of JAMB, Ishaq Oloyede, made this known during an interview on a national television programme, where he emphasised that the admission process in Nigeria is now transparent and strictly based on merit. Oloyede stated that despite improvements in the system, some parents still attempt to use illegal means to secure admission for their children. He noted that such actions are unnecessary, as qualified candidates can now gain admission without external influence. He explained that the introduction of the Central Admission Processing System (CAPS) has significantly reduced irregularities in the admission process. According to him, CAPS enables candidates to track their admission status and file complaints when necessary. The registrar further encouraged candidates who are confident in their qualifications and UTME scores to report any suspected unfair treatment to the board for proper investigation. Oloyede also revealed that since the introduction of CAPS in 2017, the system has recorded no failures, describing it as efficient and reliable. In addition, he disclosed that JAMB has enhanced its verification processes, particularly for Direct Entry admissions, to tackle fraud and certificate falsification. He noted that several cases involving fake credentials, including forged foreign degrees, have been identified and addressed. The board reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining transparency and integrity in the admission process, warning that any form of malpractice or fraud will continue to attract strict sanctions.