JAMB Issues Strong Warning to Institutions Over Unethical Admission Practices
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has sounded a strong warning to Nigerian universities and other tertiary institutions allegedly influencing candidates to change their course preferences outside the official Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS).
In a statement released by the Board, JAMB expressed concern over reports that some institutions have been using their internal portals to manipulate the admission process. These institutions allegedly persuade or pressure high-ranking candidates to switch from their preferred, often competitive, programmes to less-subscribed ones.
This unethical tactic, according to JAMB, is designed to promote other candidates in the admission ranking order, a move that undermines the merit-based and transparent system that CAPS was created to protect.
JAMB Reaffirms CAPS as the Only Recognized Admission Platform
Reiterating its long-standing policy, JAMB emphasized that all admission activities in Nigeria must be conducted exclusively through CAPS. The Board explained that CAPS was introduced to guarantee accountability, equal opportunity, and transparency throughout the admission process.
Any form of admission action or course modification conducted outside the CAPS platform, JAMB warned, is unauthorized, unethical, and subject to strict sanctions.
“Institutions involved in manipulating the process through internal means risk facing regulatory penalties,” JAMB stated.
The Board also cautioned candidates to disregard any invitation or message from institutions requesting them to make programme changes through unofficial channels.
JAMB’s Position on Unauthorized Course Changes
According to the Board, any programme change made on CAPS after a candidate has been influenced by an institution will be treated as voluntary, and JAMB will not take responsibility for any resulting consequences.
Preliminary investigations, JAMB revealed, have identified a university in the South-West and another in Abuja as being involved in these unethical practices. Regulatory measures are already being initiated to address the situation and to protect the interests of the affected candidates.
JAMB Urges Candidates to Stick to Official Channels
JAMB’s closing message was clear: all prospective students must ensure that their admission-related activities are done solely through the official JAMB CAPS portal.
The Board reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining a fair, transparent, and credible admission system that rewards merit, integrity, and due process in all tertiary institutions across Nigeria.
“Our mission remains to protect candidates’ rights and preserve the integrity of Nigeria’s admission process,” JAMB added.
Summary:
JAMB has cautioned institutions against manipulating admission choices outside the official CAPS platform, warning of sanctions. The Board also advised candidates to avoid unauthorized portals and stick to official JAMB channels to ensure transparency and fairness in the 2025/2026 admission cycle.
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