The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has uncovered at least 9,469 illegal admissions across 20 tertiary institutions in Nigeria for the 2024 academic session. The admissions, according to the board, were conducted outside the Central Admission Processing System (CAPS) — a platform established to ensure merit-based, transparent, and standardized admission processes into Nigerian higher institutions.
Institutions Cited for Unauthorized Admissions
Leading the list of institutions with the highest number of flagged admissions is Kano State University of Science and Technology, with 2,215 unapproved admissions, followed closely by Ladoke Akintola University of Technology with 1,215.
Other notable offenders include:
- Gombe State University – 1,164
- Emmanuel Alayande University of Education – 761
- Federal University of Technology, Owerri – 534
- Ambrose Alli University – 514
- Igbinedion University – 365
- Akwa Ibom Polytechnic – 340
- College of Nursing, National Orthopedic Hospital, Igbobi – 281
- Achievers University – 267
- Nigeria Police Academy – 263
- Abia State Polytechnic – 256
- Osun State University – 224
- Federal University, Lafia – 189
- Niger State Polytechnic – 182
- Federal Polytechnic, Idah – 171
- Edo State Polytechnic – 166
- Anchor University – 133
- Michael and Cecilia Ibru University – 116
- Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology – 113
CAPS: The Standard for Legal Admissions
The Central Admission Processing System (CAPS) was introduced by JAMB to centralize and automate the admission process, ensuring fairness, transparency, and compliance with admission guidelines. CAPS allows candidates to monitor and accept or reject offers in real time, while institutions must upload admission lists for approval through the platform.
By circumventing CAPS, institutions not only undermine the integrity of the process but also risk the eligibility of candidates for critical programs such as the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), which only recognizes admissions processed through JAMB.
Federal Government Reiterates Zero Tolerance
Speaking at the 2025 JAMB Policy Meeting in Abuja last week, Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, emphasized that any admission conducted outside CAPS is illegal. He issued a stern warning to all institutions engaging in unauthorized practices:
“Any admission conducted outside CAPS, regardless of its intentions, is illegal,” Alausa said.
“Both institutions and the candidates involved in such practices will be held accountable.”
The Minister warned that sanctions may include withdrawal of institutional assets, as well as the prosecution of culpable officers and governing council members.
Consequences for Students and Institutions
JAMB has repeatedly warned that candidates admitted through “backdoor” processes may not be recognized for NYSC mobilization or further academic progression, leaving many students vulnerable and potentially stranded.
Institutions risk not only regulatory penalties but also reputational damage and reduced trust from applicants and their families.
As JAMB intensifies its compliance enforcement, education stakeholders are being urged to adhere strictly to CAPS protocols. The board is also encouraging prospective students and parents to verify admission statuses through official JAMB channels to avoid falling victim to illegal practices.
The latest crackdown underscores the government's commitment to restoring discipline, meritocracy, and accountability in Nigeria’s tertiary education admission process.