Panic as JAMB Flags Over 2,600 Illegal Admissions Across Nigerian Universities and Polytechnics

There is growing panic across Nigeria’s higher institutions as the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has uncovered thousands of illegal admissions processed outside its approved Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS).

According to JAMB’s findings, no fewer than 2,658 unauthorized admissions were discovered during the 2024/2025 academic session. The irregularities were traced to 17 universities, polytechnics, and colleges across the country.

Leading the list of offenders is Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU), Bauchi, which reportedly processed 1,847 illegal admissions. Osun State University followed with 492 unauthorized entries, while several other institutions, including Abubakar Tafari Ali Polytechnic and the University of Calabar, were also implicated.

JAMB described the trend as a serious breach of national admission regulations, accusing some schools of deliberately bypassing the CAPS platform designed to ensure transparency and fairness in student admissions.

“All admissions conducted outside CAPS are invalid and will not be recognized,” the board warned, stressing that such actions erode public trust in Nigeria’s tertiary education system.

The revelation, according to JAMB officials, followed routine audits and cross-checks of institutional admission records nationwide. Investigators reportedly found glaring inconsistencies between the data submitted on CAPS and the actual list of admitted students.

The board further explained that these illegal admissions often result in issues such as fake matriculation numbers, invalid certificates, and disqualification from the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).

Reacting to the development, Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, condemned the implicated institutions, warning that such actions endanger students’ academic futures. He urged prospective students to verify their admission status strictly through JAMB’s official portal.

“Any student admitted through illegal means risks expulsion and may lose eligibility for future opportunities,” the minister cautioned.

JAMB reiterated its commitment to enforcing strict measures and sanctions against defaulting institutions to safeguard the integrity of the nation’s admission process.