The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has issued a stern warning to tertiary institutions in Nigeria against admitting candidates with unverified Advanced Level (A’Level) results, stating that institutions found guilty of such practices will face serious consequences.
In a statement released by the board, JAMB disclosed that investigations have uncovered cases where fraudulent A’Level results were used for admission, with some institutions conducting admissions outside the Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS)—a direct violation of the board’s admission policies.
JAMB Identifies Institutions Admitting Students Outside CAPS
JAMB stated that some institutions persist in admitting candidates outside CAPS, creating loopholes for fraudulent admissions. The board warned that such institutions risk being classified as accomplices in result falsification if candidates are found to have gained admission using fake credentials.
“These institutions will be considered accomplices in the falsification of results if any candidate is found to have been admitted outside of CAPS using fake credentials.
Institutions are strongly advised to ensure that all candidates are admitted through the CAPS platform, where their results can be accurately verified.”
JAMB has reiterated that CAPS remains the only recognized platform for admissions processing in Nigeria, ensuring that all credentials submitted by candidates are thoroughly verified before they are offered admission.
CAPS Verification to Curb Admission Fraud
JAMB revealed that its latest CAPS audit exposed multiple cases of institutions proposing admissions based on fake results. The board also identified cases where candidates with fraudulent A’Level credentials were admitted outside CAPS, further compromising the integrity of the admission process.
The Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS) was introduced to regulate tertiary admissions in Nigeria and ensure that:
- All admissions are processed centrally and transparently
- Institutions can only admit candidates whose results have been verified
- Candidates are able to accept or reject admissions online
- Multiple admissions are prevented to ensure fairness
- Merit-based selection is prioritized, eliminating fraudulent admissions
JAMB has now made it mandatory for institutions to process all admissions through CAPS, stressing that failure to comply will undermine the credibility of the educational system and allow fake result holders to gain entry into Nigerian universities.
Institutions Risk Sanctions for Violating JAMB Guidelines
The board has vowed to take disciplinary action against institutions that fail to comply with its CAPS verification policy. JAMB warned that institutions found guilty of admitting students outside CAPS will be subjected to sanctions, which may include:
- Withdrawal of admission approvals for affected candidates
- Sanctions on defaulting institutions that continue the practice
- Legal action against institutions involved in result falsification
JAMB has also reaffirmed its commitment to eliminating fraudulent admissions and maintaining the integrity of tertiary education in Nigeria.
CBT Centres Warned Against Registration Violations
In a related development, JAMB has cautioned Computer-Based Test (CBT) Centres to strictly adhere to registration rules to prevent malpractices. The board emphasized that:
- UTME registration is an individual process and not a group or school-based process
- Data mixing, mutilation, or mismatches must be avoided
- CBT Centres found guilty of violating JAMB guidelines risk suspension or outright de-licensing
JAMB disclosed that some fraudulent CBT centres are already under investigation, and if found guilty, their approval would be withdrawn.
Strict Measures Against Parental and Proxy Interference
JAMB also reiterated that parents and proxies are strictly prohibited from making transactions on candidates’ profiles or interfering with the registration process.
“Parents should allow their children to handle their UTME registration independently. Any external interference could lead to data mismatches, which may affect their admission.”
The board assured that strict surveillance mechanisms are in place to track non-compliant operators, ensuring that all registration processes remain seamless, transparent, and fraud-free.
Final Warning: Institutions Must Adhere to JAMB’s Guidelines
JAMB has once again reaffirmed its zero-tolerance policy on admission fraud and warned that any institution found violating the CAPS system will face severe penalties.
All institutions are advised to strictly comply with the board’s regulations to maintain the integrity of Nigeria’s tertiary education system and ensure that only qualified candidates are admitted.