🔥 Trending JAMB Issues Warnings Against 'Backdoor' Admissions: What Candidates Need to Know

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) is Nigeria's official entrance examination board for tertiary-level institutions ¹. Established in 1978, JAMB is responsible for conducting the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) for prospective university students and other higher education institutions in Nigeria ²⁵⁸. It serves as a crucial step for students seeking admission into various tertiary institutions across the country ⁴.

JAMB also oversees the Direct Entry (DE) admission route for candidates who already possess post-secondary qualifications and wish to gain admission into universities at a higher level, typically the 200 level ⁷. The board's primary function is to standardize the admission process and ensure that qualified candidates are admitted into Nigerian tertiary institutions ⁶.

Latest Warnings Regarding Admissions (as of 2026)

As of 2026, JAMB has issued several warnings and guidelines to candidates and institutions regarding the admission process, primarily aimed at curbing illegal admissions and ensuring transparency.

1. Prohibition of Illegal Admissions

JAMB has consistently warned tertiary institutions against engaging in illegal or unauthorized admissions outside the official Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS) ¹. The board emphasizes that any admission not processed through CAPS is invalid and will not be recognized. Institutions found to be admitting students without JAMB's approval face severe sanctions.

2. Importance of CAPS

The Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS) remains the sole platform for processing admissions into all Nigerian tertiary institutions. JAMB has reiterated that all admissions must be initiated, processed, and accepted by candidates through CAPS. This system provides a transparent and verifiable record of all admissions, allowing both candidates and the board to track the admission status.

3. Warning Against Admission Racketeering

JAMB has cautioned candidates and parents against falling victim to admission racketeers and fraudsters who promise to secure admission outside the official channels. The board advises candidates to only deal with authorized JAMB officials and accredited CBT centres for any admission-related inquiries or processes.

4. Direct Entry (DE) Candidate Verification

For Direct Entry candidates, JAMB has intensified its verification process to combat fraudulent qualifications. Candidates applying through DE are advised to ensure the authenticity of their A-level results or other advanced qualifications, as the board conducts thorough checks with the issuing institutions. Any candidate found to have submitted fake credentials will be disqualified.

5. Post-UTME Screening Guidelines

While JAMB sets the minimum admission requirements, tertiary institutions conduct their own Post-UTME screening exercises. JAMB has warned institutions to adhere strictly to the approved guidelines for these screenings, ensuring that they do not introduce additional fees or requirements that contravene the board's policies. The board monitors these processes to ensure fairness and compliance.

These warnings underscore JAMB's commitment to maintaining the integrity of the admission process in Nigeria and ensuring that all qualified candidates have a fair opportunity to gain admission into tertiary institutions.