The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has issued a strong warning to newly established and upgraded tertiary institutions across Nigeria, urging them to avoid illegal admission practices and adhere strictly to the Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS).
JAMB Urges New Universities, Polytechnics, and Colleges to Follow Due Process
JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, made the call during an interactive session held in Abuja on Monday with principal officers of newly established, upgraded, and adopted universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education.
Oloyede emphasized the need for all tertiary institutions to comply with JAMB’s official admission procedures via CAPS, particularly using the ‘Marketplace’ feature to source eligible candidates.
“Any institution—private or public—that engages in illegal admissions will face consequences,” Oloyede warned. “Many institutions unknowingly commit these infractions, which is why we’re educating them on the right process to achieve their goals legally.”
Automation and Digital Compliance Key to Avoiding Sanctions
He urged institutions to prioritize automation, train staff on digital systems, and ensure full compliance to avoid disruptions in academic operations. He also raised concerns over delayed academic sessions, blaming frequent disruptions such as ASUU strikes for overlapping academic years.
“Some schools are completing 2021 academic sessions in 2023 or even 2024,” he noted. “We’re currently managing four concurrent sessions, which could have been chaotic without proper planning.”
Over 100 New Tertiary Institutions Join Nigeria’s Education System
Oloyede revealed that more than 100 new tertiary institutions have been added to Nigeria’s educational landscape. This includes:
- 22 new universities
- 15 upgraded federal colleges of education offering both NCE and degree programs
- 33 new polytechnics and monotechnics
- 12 new colleges of education
NCCE Backs JAMB, Highlights Innovation in Admissions
Also speaking at the session, Prof. Paulinus Okwelle, Executive Secretary of the National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE), underscored the evolving nature of student admissions in Nigeria.
He applauded JAMB’s technology-driven approach to admissions and encouraged new institutions to leverage the CAPS system for transparency and equal competition with older institutions.
“JAMB has introduced innovative solutions that streamline the admission process,” Okwelle said. “New institutions must adapt to these changes to strengthen their credibility and efficiency.”
