JAMB Flags Thousands of Illegal Admissions Nationwide — Board Clamps Down on Unauthorized Offers Across Institutions

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has intensified efforts to crack down on illegal admissions across Nigeria’s tertiary institutions. In a recent nationwide audit, the board flagged thousands of unauthorized admission cases, including candidates who were admitted without proper documentation or through unofficial channels.

This move comes as part of JAMB’s broader mandate to safeguard the integrity of tertiary education in Nigeria, ensure fair access to higher education, and prevent fraudulent practices that undermine national examinations and student credentials.

With growing concerns about admission scams, certificate forgery, and unregulated university offers, this crackdown signals a zero-tolerance approach to irregularities. It also emphasizes the importance of compliance with official JAMB procedures for all universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.

In this article, we provide an in-depth analysis of JAMB’s actions, the types of illegal admissions identified, the consequences for institutions and candidates, and practical guidance on how students can avoid falling victim to fraudulent offers.

Background: JAMB’s Role in University Admissions

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) is responsible for:

• Conducting the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME)
• Managing the Direct Entry (DE) admission process
• Overseeing the admission of candidates into accredited universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education

JAMB’s mandate ensures that all admissions are transparent, merit-based, and compliant with NUC and regulatory standards. The board also maintains a centralized database of candidates to prevent irregularities and unauthorized placements.

What Are Illegal Admissions?

Illegal admissions refer to instances where students are offered places in tertiary institutions outside JAMB’s official processes. These may include:

1. Admission Without UTME/DE Registration
   Candidates who gain entry without proper examination registration or results.
2. Use of Forged Certificates
   Admission based on fake or altered academic documents.
3. Unauthorized Institutional Offers
   Institutions issuing admissions without JAMB approval or validation.
4. Admission Through Agents or Middlemen
   Candidates paying unofficial intermediaries to secure placement.

Illegal admissions compromise academic integrity, undermine meritocracy, and pose challenges for degree verification and employability.

JAMB’s Recent Crackdown: Key Findings

1. Thousands of Cases Flagged

In a recent audit of 2025/2026 admissions, JAMB identified thousands of irregularities nationwide, affecting:

• Federal and state universities
• Polytechnics
• Colleges of education

This includes cases where students were admitted with incomplete, fake, or unauthorized documentation.

2. Institutions Involved

The board reported that some universities and colleges inadvertently facilitated illegal admissions, while others were complicit through corrupt practices.

3. Impact on Students

Affected candidates face risks including:

• Cancellation of admission
• Ineligibility for matriculation
• Loss of tuition fees paid to institutions

4. JAMB’s Measures

To combat these practices, JAMB has:

• Implemented digital verification systems for all admissions
• Coordinated with the National Universities Commission (NUC) and state authorities
• Issued directives to institutions to ensure compliance with centralized admission protocols

Causes of Illegal Admissions

1. Lack of Awareness
   Some students and parents are unaware of official JAMB procedures, making them vulnerable to scams.
2. Corrupt Practices
   Certain agents and even institutional staff exploit loopholes for financial gain.
3. High Demand for Tertiary Education
   With limited spaces and intense competition, some students resort to unauthorized channels.
4. Inadequate Institutional Oversight
   Schools that do not strictly adhere to JAMB’s verification process contribute to the proliferation of illegal admissions.

Consequences for Institutions and Candidates

For Institutions

• Sanctions and Fines: JAMB may impose fines or revoke accreditation for repeat offenders.
• Loss of Reputation: Publicized crackdowns damage institutional credibility.
• Regulatory Scrutiny: Institutions may face audits and stricter monitoring.

For Candidates

• Admission Cancellation: Illegal admissions are nullified.
• Ineligibility for Exams: Candidates may be barred from future UTME or DE exams.
• Financial Loss: Fees paid to unauthorized channels are not refundable.

How JAMB Detects Illegal Admissions

JAMB uses a multi-layered approach:

1. Centralized Digital Database
   Every candidate and admission is logged in JAMB’s Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS), allowing verification of authenticity.
2. Data Cross-Checking
   Candidate credentials are cross-checked with academic certificates, UTME/DE registration records, and school reports.
3. Collaboration With Institutions
   Universities, polytechnics, and colleges must validate admission offers through CAPS before enrolling candidates.
4. Periodic Audits
   JAMB conducts nationwide audits to identify irregularities and non-compliant institutions.

What Students Need to Know

1. Always Use Official Channels

• Register for UTME/DE through JAMB-approved banks or online portals.
• Avoid agents claiming to guarantee admission outside the official system.

2. Verify University Offers

• Ensure your admission is visible in CAPS before accepting it.
• Cross-check with the official institutional website or JAMB portal.

3. Protect Personal Documents

• Submit authentic academic certificates.
• Avoid sharing sensitive documents with unauthorized persons.

4. Report Suspicious Activity

• Notify JAMB immediately if you encounter offers that seem irregular.
• JAMB has a dedicated complaint line and email for reporting fraudulent admissions.

Tips for Parents and Guardians

1. Educate Children on JAMB Procedures
   Ensure students understand the importance of official registration and legitimate admission pathways.
2. Monitor Payment Channels
   Only pay through official banks or portals. Avoid informal transactions.
3. Stay Informed
   Follow JAMB announcements on social media, official websites, and credible news sources.

Long-Term Implications of the Crackdown

1. Strengthening Academic Integrity

Regular monitoring and enforcement reduce fraud and malpractice, ensuring quality and credibility of degrees.

2. Promoting Fair Access

Merit-based admissions ensure that every qualified candidate has a chance, regardless of social or economic background.

3. Institutional Accountability

Universities and colleges are now more accountable, improving overall educational standards in Nigeria.

4. Reducing Admission Scams

By curbing unauthorized admissions, JAMB protects students from financial loss and fraudulent schemes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What happens if my admission is flagged as illegal?
Your admission may be canceled, and you may need to reapply officially.

Q2: Can I appeal if my admission is wrongly flagged?
Yes, candidates can submit evidence through CAPS or JAMB’s complaint system.

Q3: Are all private universities affected?
Yes, all institutions must comply with CAPS to validate admissions.

Q4: How can I check if my admission is legitimate?

• Log in to CAPS
• Verify your admission status
• Confirm with your chosen institution

Q5: Does JAMB offer support for students affected by illegal admissions?
Yes, through official helplines and online portals, JAMB assists candidates in resolving issues.

Conclusion

JAMB’s crackdown on illegal admissions nationwide is a decisive move to protect the integrity of Nigerian tertiary education. By clamping down on unauthorized offers and ensuring strict compliance with the Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS), the board is safeguarding students, institutions, and the public from fraudulent practices.

Candidates are urged to adhere strictly to official JAMB procedures, use authorized channels, and verify their admissions online. Parents and institutions must also collaborate to promote transparent, merit-based admissions.

Ultimately, these measures ensure that Nigeria’s higher education system remains credible, accessible, and fair, offering genuine opportunities for students to pursue academic excellence without fear of exploitation or fraudulent interference.