The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has expressed concern about Nigerian tertiary institutions unlawfully altering candidates’ programmes in their databases to improperly grant admission.
JAMB has warned candidates applying to Nigerian tertiary institutions not to be deceived by institutional tactics or pressure to change their programmes through unofficial channels.
In a press release signed by Dr. Fabian Benjamin, Head of Media at JAMB, the Board expressed concern over reports that some universities are persuading or pressuring candidates to alter their course choices through institutional portals instead of the official Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS).
Unethical Manipulation of the Admissions Process
According to the statement, these unethical practices are designed to favor institutions’ preferred candidates who may not have initially qualified for top courses. Institutions allow candidates to move up the ranking at the detriment of those who earn their positions on merit if they manipulate the process.
The statement further stressed that this practice by some Nigerian institutions is unhealthy to the ethical standards of the tertiary admission systems because it lacks transparency and accountability.
The Board emphasized that all legitimate admission activities must be conducted exclusively through CAPS, which was developed to ensure equal opportunity for all qualified applicants.
The statement read in part:
“Any change of programme or admission activity carried out outside the JAMB CAPS is unauthorized, unethical, and ultimately detrimental to the affected candidates.”
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Institutions Under Investigation
JAMB disclosed that preliminary investigations have revealed the involvement of a university in the South-West and another in Abuja in such manipulative practices. The Board has begun regulatory steps to address these actions and ensure candidates’ interests remain protected.
The board also said that any institution found guilty of using its internal system to influence programme changes or manipulate the ranking process without official approval from the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board would face sanctions.
Candidates Urged to Reject Unofficial Channels
The Board advised candidates to stay alert and ignore any invitations or requests to change their programme through institutional portals or unofficial methods. It reminded candidates that any programme change made through these channels would be considered voluntary, and JAMB would not be held responsible for any resulting consequences.
“For institutions to engage in such backdoor manoeuvers clearly indicates an intent to deceive and shortchange candidates,” JAMB stated. “Such acts will not be condoned by the Board.”
JAMB reiterated that any change of programme that appears on CAPS after an institution’s influence would be deemed to have been done willingly by the candidate. Therefore, candidates are advised to exercise discretion and verify every admission-related update directly through their JAMB profile or CAPS portal.
Commitment to Transparency and Fairness
JAMB said again that it is committed to a fair and open admission process. The Board promised to keep a close watch on schools and make sure they follow the rules. It also stressed that CAPS is still the only official way to process admissions into Nigerian tertiary institutions.
The statement concluded:
“The Board reaffirms its unwavering commitment to ensuring that all qualified candidates are treated with fairness, equity, and transparency in the 2025 admission exercise and beyond.”
What Candidates Should Do
Candidates are encouraged to:
- Access admission information only through the official JAMB CAPS portal.
- If you receive any change of programme offer, ensure to verify it through the JAMB change CAPS institution transfer only.
- If candidates suspect an unauthorized change of programme, they should report such an institution to the appropriate authorities.
JAMB’s warning made it clear that there is no place for cheating. Candidates who use an illegal channel to gain admission do so at their own risk.
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