JAMB Uncovers 9,460 Fake Admissions Across 20 Nigerian Institutions.
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has revealed a startling discovery of 9,460 illegal admissions conducted by 20 tertiary institutions across Nigeria during the 2024 academic session. The admissions, processed outside the Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS), have been declared invalid, raising concerns about transparency in the nation’s higher education sector.
According to JAMB, Kano State University of Science and Technology topped the list with 2,215 unauthorised admissions, followed closely by Ladoke Akintola University of Technology in Oyo State with 1,215 cases. Other institutions implicated include Gombe State University with 1,164, Emmanuel Alayande University of Education with 761, and the Federal University of Technology, Owerri, with 534. The list also features prominent names such as Ambrose Alli University, Igbinedion University, and Akwa-Ibom Polytechnic, among others.
JAMB’s CAPS, introduced to ensure fairness and accountability in the admission process, allows candidates to monitor their admission status in real time and ensures evaluations are based on merit. Admissions conducted outside this system, often referred to as “backdoor admissions,” bypass these safeguards, compromising the integrity of the process. The board has repeatedly warned that students admitted through such means are ineligible for the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme, a mandatory programme for Nigerian graduates.
At the 2025 JAMB Policy Meeting in Abuja, the Minister of Education, Dr Tunji Alausa, issued a stern warning to institutions engaging in these practices. “Any admission conducted outside CAPS, regardless of its intentions, is illegal,” he declared, adding that culpable institutions and individuals could face severe sanctions, including withdrawal of accreditation and prosecution. The minister’s statement underscores the government’s commitment to restoring order to the admission process.
The revelation has sparked widespread concern among education stakeholders, with many calling for stricter oversight of tertiary institutions. “This is a wake-up call for the sector,” said Dr Aisha Bello, an education analyst. “The integrity of our admission system is critical to ensuring that qualified candidates are given fair opportunities.” Students affected by these illegal admissions, particularly those unaware of the irregularities, now face uncertainty, with some reporting difficulties in regularising their status for NYSC participation.
JAMB has vowed to collaborate with relevant authorities to enforce penalties and prevent future violations. The board’s efforts to centralise and streamline admissions through CAPS aim to eliminate corruption and ensure that only deserving candidates secure placements. As investigations continue, the public awaits further action to address this systemic issue and restore confidence in Nigeria’s tertiary education framework.