The Federal Government of Nigeria has officially debunked widespread rumours suggesting that the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) would no longer be required for admission into Nigerian tertiary institutions. The Ministry of Education, through its Director of Press and Public Relations, Boriowo Folasade, described the reports as false, misleading, and entirely unfounded.
According to the Ministry, the federal government has not made any policy change regarding JAMB’s role in the admission process into universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education. The statement emphasized that JAMB remains the legally recognized examination body for the coordination and regulation of tertiary admissions in Nigeria.
Education Minister Sets the Record Straight
Minister of State for Education, Dr. Yusuf Sununu Tunji Alausa, reaffirmed the government’s full confidence in JAMB and the crucial role it continues to play in ensuring transparency and standardization in the nation’s admission processes.
He noted that the rumours circulating across social media platforms and online blogs were designed to mislead students and parents, stressing that the Ministry never issued any directive or circular to that effect.
In his words, “At no time did the Ministry of Education announce the cancellation of JAMB as a requirement for admission into tertiary institutions. Such reports are false and should be ignored by the general public.”
JAMB Remains Nigeria’s Official Admission Gateway
For decades, JAMB has served as the central platform through which students gain admission into higher institutions in Nigeria. Every year, millions of candidates sit for the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) — a critical step in the selection process for prospective university and polytechnic students.
The examination, overseen by the board, ensures fairness, meritocracy, and national coordination in the admission system. Beyond conducting entrance exams, JAMB also supervises post-UTME screenings, manages admission quotas, and monitors institutional compliance with admission guidelines.
Education experts have long argued that scrapping JAMB without a suitable alternative would create chaos and inconsistency across tertiary institutions. It would also make it difficult to maintain national standards for student intake.
Ministry Warns Against Fake News and Misleading Publications
The Ministry of Education cautioned against the reckless spread of unverified information by online platforms and individuals. It urged students, parents, and the general public to always confirm any admission-related news through official government and JAMB communication channels.
According to the Ministry, fake news not only creates unnecessary panic but also undermines public confidence in Nigeria’s educational system. The government vowed to track down those responsible for generating or spreading such false narratives.
Officials further advised that credible information about admissions, policy updates, and reforms will always be communicated through authorized statements and official press releases.
Students React to the Clarification
The denial has sparked a wave of reactions from students, parents, and education stakeholders nationwide. Many expressed relief that the government has maintained its stance on upholding the JAMB structure, which they believe brings uniformity and fairness to the admission process.
Others, however, called for ongoing reforms within JAMB, suggesting the need for improved examination logistics, enhanced technology adoption, and better coordination with tertiary institutions to reduce delays in admission releases.
A group of students from different states who spoke on the issue said the viral rumour initially caused confusion, especially among UTME candidates preparing for next year’s exam. “We’re glad the government clarified this early. At least we now know JAMB is still in place,” one student remarked.
Why JAMB Remains Essential in Nigeria’s Education System
JAMB plays an integral role in ensuring merit-based admissions and preventing exploitation or favoritism by institutions. The centralized examination system has helped maintain a level playing field for candidates, irrespective of background or location.
Furthermore, through its digital platform, JAMB has made it easier to process applications, verify credentials, and monitor compliance with admission policies. It also provides reliable data to the Ministry of Education for planning and policy development.
Analysts believe that unless Nigeria develops a robust and transparent alternative, abolishing JAMB would lead to fragmented admission systems and potential corruption in student placements.
FG Reaffirms Commitment to Educational Standards
In concluding its statement, the Federal Government reiterated its commitment to upholding the integrity of Nigeria’s education sector. It assured students and parents that every policy reform will always be guided by due process and national interest.
The Ministry emphasized that no major change regarding tertiary admission requirements can be made without consultation with key stakeholders, including JAMB, university governing councils, and the National Universities Commission (NUC).
The government also assured the public that ongoing collaborations between the Ministry and JAMB are aimed at strengthening admission processes and improving the experience for Nigerian students both locally and internationally.
Key Takeaways
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Rumour Origin | False reports claiming JAMB had been scrapped as a requirement for admission |
| Government Response | Denied by the Federal Ministry of Education |
| Statement by | Boriowo Folasade, Director of Press & Public Relations |
| Minister’s Position | JAMB remains the official examination body for tertiary admissions |
| Reason for Denial | To curb misinformation and protect public trust |
| Next Steps | Government encourages reliance on official communication only |
Conclusion
The Federal Government’s denial of JAMB’s alleged cancellation underscores the importance of information verification in today’s digital age. With social media’s growing influence, misinformation can spread rapidly — making timely government clarifications essential.
For now, students can rest assured that JAMB remains fully operational and mandatory for all admissions into Nigerian tertiary institutions. The Ministry’s swift response reaffirms its determination to preserve the integrity of Nigeria’s education system while strengthening coordination between JAMB and higher institutions.
