FG Confirms JAMB Still Mandatory for Tertiary Admissions Amid Rumours

(Education Ministry debunks claims that JAMB is no longer needed for university entry in Nigeria)

In recent weeks, thousands of Nigerian students, parents, and education stakeholders have been thrown into confusion by viral social media posts and misleading blog articles claiming that the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) is no longer required for admission into Nigerian universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education. Some of these claims even went as far as stating that tertiary institutions could now admit students directly without UTME or JAMB registration.

These rumours quickly spread across WhatsApp groups, Facebook pages, TikTok videos, and even some online news platforms, leading many 2025 and 2026 admission seekers to panic. Some students began asking whether they should still register for UTME, while others started looking for universities that could supposedly offer admission without JAMB.

However, the Federal Government of Nigeria, through the Federal Ministry of Education, has officially stepped in to clear the air. The government has firmly confirmed that JAMB remains compulsory for all admissions into Nigerian tertiary institutions, and no policy has been introduced to remove or bypass it.

This clarification is extremely important for students preparing for UTME, parents funding their children’s education, private schools guiding their students, and institutions managing their admission processes. Getting this wrong could cost a candidate an entire academic year.

In this article, we will explain everything you need to know about the Federal Government’s position on JAMB, what caused the confusion, how the admission system actually works in Nigeria, what students should do now, and how to avoid being misled by false information.

Background: What Is JAMB and Why It Exists

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) is a statutory body established by the Federal Government of Nigeria in 1978. Its main role is to conduct entrance examinations and regulate admission into Nigerian tertiary institutions.

Before JAMB was created, universities and colleges ran independent entrance exams, which led to:

• Multiple admission tests for students
• Lack of standardization
• Corruption and favoritism
• Overlapping admissions
• Students holding multiple admission offers

JAMB was introduced to solve these problems by:

• Creating a centralized admission system
• Conducting a standardized exam (UTME)
• Regulating cut-off marks
• Monitoring admission quotas
• Ensuring fairness and transparency

Today, JAMB controls the Central Admission Processing System (CAPS), which is the official platform used by Nigerian tertiary institutions to offer admission.

Without JAMB, there would be no reliable national admission framework.

What Triggered the “JAMB Is No Longer Needed” Rumours?

The recent confusion did not start from nowhere. It was triggered by a misinterpretation of a government policy discussion related to education reforms.

At some point, government officials discussed the need to:

• Improve institutional autonomy
• Reduce bureaucracy
• Strengthen quality assurance
• Allow schools to play more roles in admissions

Unfortunately, some bloggers and social media influencers took this discussion and turned it into headlines like:

• “JAMB Scrapped”
• “Universities Can Now Admit Without UTME”
• “FG Ends JAMB Requirement”

None of these claims were officially announced.

The misinformation spread because:

• Many Nigerians rely on social media for news
• Some blogs chase clicks and traffic
• Students are eager for easier admission routes

This created panic and confusion nationwide.

What the Federal Government Actually Said

The Federal Ministry of Education officially debunked the rumours.

According to the ministry, JAMB is still mandatory for:

• Universities
• Polytechnics
• Colleges of Education
• Colleges of Nursing
• Other tertiary institutions

The government emphasized that:

“No tertiary institution in Nigeria has the authority to admit students outside the JAMB framework.”

They also confirmed that:

• UTME is still compulsory
• Direct Entry through JAMB is still compulsory
• CAPS remains the only legal admission platform

Any school offering admission without JAMB is acting illegally.

How Admission Works in Nigeria (The Real Process)

To understand why JAMB cannot be removed, you need to understand how admission actually works.

Here is the official process:

1. UTME or Direct Entry Registration

Every candidate must register with JAMB either as:

• UTME candidate
• Direct Entry candidate

2. UTME Examination

UTME candidates write a national exam testing:

• English
• Three other subjects based on course choice

3. Post-UTME / Screening

After UTME, schools conduct:

• Post-UTME
• Or online screening

4. Admission Processing on CAPS

All institutions must submit admission lists to JAMB CAPS.

If JAMB does not approve it, the admission is invalid.

5. JAMB Admission Letter

The JAMB admission letter is the only legal proof of admission in Nigeria.

Without it:

• NYSC will reject you
• Scholarships will reject you
• Many schools will not clear you

Why JAMB Cannot Be Removed

JAMB is not just an exam body. It is a national regulatory system.

Removing JAMB would cause:

• Admission chaos
• Massive corruption
• Fake admissions
• Unequal access
• Loss of national standards

That is why the Federal Government has no plan to abolish it.

What This Means for 2025 and 2026 Admission Seekers

If you are planning to gain admission into any Nigerian tertiary institution, you must:

• Register for JAMB
• Write UTME or apply through Direct Entry
• Use CAPS to monitor admission

Anyone telling you otherwise is misleading you.

Risks of Believing the “No JAMB” Rumour

Students who believe the rumour may:

• Skip UTME
• Pay fraudsters
• Accept fake admissions
• Lose one academic year

This is extremely dangerous.

How to Verify Real Admission Information

Always get updates from:

• JAMB official website
• Federal Ministry of Education
• Your chosen institution

Avoid:

• WhatsApp rumours
• Fake blogs
• Unverified TikTok videos

How This Affects Nigerian Students and Parents

Parents should:

• Ensure their children register for JAMB
• Avoid paying agents

Students should:

• Follow JAMB guidelines
• Monitor CAPS

Schools should:

• Educate candidates properly

What You Should Do Now

If you are preparing for admission:

1. Register for JAMB
2. Prepare for UTME
3. Choose accredited schools
4. Ignore social media rumours
5. Follow official announcements

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Is JAMB still compulsory in Nigeria?
Yes. JAMB is still mandatory.

Can a university admit me without JAMB?
No. Such admission is illegal.

Is UTME still required?
Yes.

Can I use Direct Entry without JAMB?
No. DE also goes through JAMB.

Will JAMB be scrapped soon?
There is no such plan.

Can private universities bypass JAMB?
No. All schools must use CAPS.

Conclusion

The Federal Government has clearly confirmed that JAMB remains the foundation of Nigeria’s tertiary admission system. Despite rumours, no student can legally gain admission into a Nigerian university, polytechnic, or college without JAMB.

If you are serious about your education, follow the official process, ignore misleading information, and prepare properly for UTME or Direct Entry.

Your future depends on it.