The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has uncovered no fewer than 9,460 illegal admissions carried out by 20 tertiary institutions across Nigeria for the 2024 academic session.
The Board disclosed that these admissions were processed outside the Central Admission Processing System, a platform designed to ensure transparency and fairness in Nigeria’s admission process.
According to data obtained from JAMB, Kano State University of Science and Technology topped the list with 2,215 irregular admissions, followed by Ladoke Akintola University of Technology with 1,215.
Other institutions found culpable include Gombe State University (1,164), Emmanuel Alayande University of Education (761), Federal University of Technology, Owerri (534), and Ambrose Alli University (514).
Additional institutions implicated include Igbinedion University (365), Akwa Ibom Polytechnic (340), College of Nursing, National Orthopaedic Hospital, Igbobi (281), Achievers University (267), and Nigeria Police Academy (263).
Others are Abia State Polytechnic (256), Osun State University (224), Federal University, Lafia (189), Niger State Polytechnic (182), Federal Polytechnic, Idah (171), and Edo State Polytechnic (166).
Also listed are Anchor University (133), Michael and Cecilia Ibru University (116), and the Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology (113).
JAMB emphasized that the use of CAPS is mandatory for all admission processes, warning that any admission offered outside the platform is considered null and void.
“The CAPS initiative was introduced to promote transparency, ensure merit-based admissions, and allow candidates to track their status in real time,” JAMB stated. “Institutions must comply with CAPS regulations to maintain the credibility of the admission process.”
Reiterating the Federal Government’s position, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, during JAMB’s 2025 policy meeting in Abuja last week, declared that any admission not processed through CAPS is illegal and punishable.
“Any admission conducted outside CAPS, regardless of the motivation, is unlawful,” Dr. Alausa declared. “Institutions and individuals involved will face strict consequences, including asset withdrawal and legal prosecution.”
He warned that students admitted through unauthorized means may be denied eligibility for key programs such as the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
JAMB has repeatedly cautioned institutions against “backdoor admissions,” noting that such actions compromise the integrity of Nigeria’s tertiary education system.
“This move is part of our ongoing efforts to sanitize the sector and uphold merit and accountability in the admission process,” JAMB concluded.
