From Marcus Nkire
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has advised candidates and their parents to raise concerns where admission outcomes do not reflect performance, especially in cases involving strong Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) scores.
Registrar of the board, Ishaq Oloyede, made this known during a television programme on the Nigerian Television Authority. He expressed concern that some parents still attempt to manipulate the admission process, largely due to a longstanding belief that merit alone cannot secure placement.
Oloyede emphasised that the system has evolved to promote fairness and accountability, urging affected candidates to file complaints through appropriate channels rather than resorting to unethical alternatives.
He pointed to the Central Admission Processing System (CAPS) as a key reform that has improved transparency and minimised interference. Since its rollout in 2017, he said the platform has functioned effectively without significant disruptions.
On direct entry admissions, the JAMB boss noted that tighter screening procedures have been introduced to tackle fraudulent practices. He revealed that several individuals have been identified for attempting to submit forged credentials, adding that stricter checks have reduced such incidents.
He also explained that the board now conducts verification of certificates directly with awarding institutions, including those abroad, to prevent misuse. A few cases this year, he said, involved foreign institutions disowning certificates presented by applicants.
According to Oloyede, these measures are designed to strengthen the integrity of the admission process and ensure that only qualified candidates are considered for placement.
