FG Reaffirms JAMB’s Role as Sole Admission Regulator for Tertiary Institutions

The Federal Government has reaffirmed that the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) remains the legally recognized and statutory body responsible for conducting entrance examinations and coordinating admissions into all tertiary institutions across Nigeria. The clarification came amid circulating reports suggesting that JAMB’s role in the nation’s tertiary admission process had been suspended or replaced—claims the government has now described as completely false and misleading.

In a statement released on Thursday by the spokesperson of the Federal Ministry of Education, Boriowo Folasade, on behalf of the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, the government dismissed the reports as unfounded fabrications designed to misinform the public. The statement emphasized that the Ministry of Education had neither issued nor authorized any announcement implying the discontinuation of JAMB’s role in admissions.

According to the Minister, the spread of such misinformation has caused unnecessary confusion among students, parents, and educational stakeholders. Dr. Alausa categorically stated, “For the avoidance of doubt, JAMB remains the statutory and legally empowered body responsible for conducting entrance examinations and coordinating admissions into all tertiary institutions in Nigeria.” He further explained that JAMB’s functions are protected by law and remain vital to the integrity of Nigeria’s education system.

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JAMB’s Statutory Role Remains Intact

The Minister reiterated that the long-established admission processes under JAMB’s supervision are fully operational and unchanged. He cautioned Nigerians to disregard any information suggesting otherwise, stressing that such claims have no basis in official policy or law. “The established admission processes through JAMB remain fully operational, and any contrary information should be disregarded in its entirety,” Alausa declared.

He urged prospective candidates, parents, and tertiary institutions to rely exclusively on the official communication channels of the Federal Ministry of Education and JAMB for credible updates on admission policies and related educational matters. “JAMB continues to play its statutory and legal role, and we encourage all stakeholders to seek clarification only from official sources to avoid being misled,” the statement added.

The Minister’s statement comes in response to widespread online speculation that tertiary institutions would henceforth be allowed to admit students directly without the involvement of JAMB. Such rumors, which gained traction on social media platforms earlier in the week, had raised concerns among candidates preparing for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and the Direct Entry (DE) process.

By reaffirming JAMB’s position, the federal government aims to restore public confidence and reassure students that the integrity of the nation’s admission process remains intact. The statement also highlights the government’s determination to maintain standardization and merit-based admissions across all Nigerian tertiary institutions.

Government’s Commitment to Transparency and Merit

The Federal Ministry of Education reiterated its commitment to ensuring that all admission processes remain transparent, fair, and strictly merit-based. Dr. Alausa emphasized that the ministry, in collaboration with JAMB, would continue to strengthen systems that promote equal opportunities for all qualified candidates, irrespective of their social or geographical background.

He stated that maintaining a centralized admissions framework through JAMB is crucial for preventing irregularities, eliminating favoritism, and ensuring uniform standards across universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education. “The Federal Ministry of Education reiterates that there has been no change in the existing role of JAMB, which remains central and indispensable in Nigeria’s tertiary education framework,” the Minister added.

The Ministry also reassured Nigerians that the administration of President Bola Tinubu remains committed to deepening reforms within the education sector, particularly those that foster accountability, transparency, and efficiency. According to Dr. Alausa, the ongoing digitalization of JAMB’s operations, including biometric verification and centralized admission tracking, reflects the government’s broader goal of improving quality assurance in education governance.

Public Urged to Verify Information from Official Channels

The Federal Government warned against the spread of fake news capable of misleading students and disrupting the education calendar. The statement advised members of the public to exercise caution and verify any education-related information from authorized platforms before taking action. “Students, parents, and tertiary institutions are advised to rely solely on official communication channels of the Ministry and JAMB for accurate information regarding admission policies and education-related matters,” it read.

This advisory is particularly significant given the growing incidence of misinformation spread via social media platforms. The Ministry noted that such misinformation not only undermines public trust but also affects students’ preparation and expectations during the admission season.

Educational experts have since commended the government’s prompt clarification, noting that maintaining JAMB’s oversight ensures standardization and prevents the admission of unqualified candidates through backdoor arrangements. They argue that JAMB serves as a unifying mechanism for evaluating candidates across Nigeria’s diverse educational systems, providing a level playing field for all applicants.

JAMB’s Central Role in National Education

Since its establishment in 1978, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has been Nigeria’s principal gateway to tertiary education. The body conducts the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) annually and coordinates the admission process into universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education. Beyond examinations, JAMB also ensures adherence to admission quotas, national policies on education, and standards that promote equity and excellence.

In recent years, JAMB has introduced several reforms aimed at improving transparency and efficiency. These include the use of biometric verification, centralized admission processing through the Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS), and digital monitoring of examination centers to curb malpractice. These initiatives have strengthened Nigeria’s admission framework and restored public confidence in the process.

By reaffirming JAMB’s mandate, the Federal Government’s latest statement not only quells rumors but also reinforces the continuity of a trusted system that upholds merit and fairness in tertiary education. The Ministry’s decisive stance reflects an enduring commitment to the rule of law and institutional integrity within Nigeria’s education sector.

As the new academic session approaches, the clarification provides much-needed reassurance to students and institutions alike that the existing admission procedures remain unchanged and that JAMB continues to serve as the only legitimate gateway for entry into Nigeria’s higher education system.