The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has issued a stern warning to Nigerian universities and other tertiary institutions over the growing practice of manipulating candidates to change their chosen programmes to less competitive ones. The examination body described the trend as unethical, deceptive, and a clear violation of the principles of fairness and transparency in the nation’s admission process.
JAMB Raises Alarm Over Unethical Admission Practices
According to the statement released by JAMB, the board expressed deep concern about reports indicating that some universities have been persuading high-scoring candidates to switch from their initially selected programmes to other courses that are less subscribed. These actions, JAMB said, are often carried out under the guise of helping the candidates secure quicker admission but are, in reality, attempts by institutions to manipulate the admission quota system.
The board condemned this behavior, stressing that it compromises the integrity of the Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS), which was designed to ensure that all admissions into Nigerian tertiary institutions are conducted fairly and transparently. JAMB noted that such actions could lead to a situation where less qualified candidates are admitted into competitive courses while deserving ones are diverted to programs they never intended to study.
Institutions Identified in the Practice
The board revealed that it had already identified two institutions — one located in the South-West and another in Abuja — involved in this unethical manipulation. JAMB emphasized that it would not hesitate to take appropriate sanctions against any university found guilty of coercing candidates into unauthorized programme changes.
The board maintained that every candidate has the fundamental right to choose the course and institution of their preference and should not be pressured to make changes that were not self-initiated. JAMB added that institutions should only process programme changes through the official CAPS platform and with the explicit consent of the affected candidate.
JAMB Reiterates Strict Use of CAPS for Programme Changes
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board reminded all tertiary institutions and candidates that any change of programme or admission outside the CAPS platform is considered unauthorized and invalid. It further warned that such alterations could have serious implications for the affected candidates, including forfeiture of admission or disqualification from future admission opportunities.
JAMB’s spokesperson reiterated that the CAPS platform remains the only legitimate and recognized medium through which any form of programme modification or admission processing should occur. Institutions, therefore, have no authority to initiate or influence a change in a candidate’s programme without following the official procedure.
Advice to Candidates: Be Vigilant and Informed
In a strong advisory note, JAMB urged all admission seekers to remain vigilant and resist any attempt by institutions or officials to lure them into changing their chosen courses through unofficial channels. The board reminded candidates that they should only consider a programme change if it aligns with their academic goals, and it must be done solely through the official JAMB portal.
JAMB further cautioned that some universities have been sending unofficial links and messages to candidates, asking them to switch programmes outside the CAPS system. It advised candidates to ignore such communications and verify any admission-related information directly through their official JAMB profile.
Commitment to Merit-Based Admission
Reaffirming its commitment to fairness and meritocracy, JAMB assured Nigerians that it will continue to protect the rights of candidates and uphold the integrity of the admission process. The board stated that the purpose of CAPS is to make admissions transparent, merit-driven, and free from institutional manipulation.
It also reminded universities that the CAPS platform was designed not only to simplify the admission process but to ensure accountability and prevent backdoor entries or manipulations that have plagued the system in the past.
Public Reaction and Expert Views
Education stakeholders across the country have welcomed JAMB’s stance, describing it as timely and necessary. Some educationists argue that the practice of manipulating candidates into switching programmes is one of the major causes of frustration among undergraduates, as many end up studying courses they never intended to pursue.
Others commended JAMB for intensifying its monitoring system and for naming and shaming institutions found guilty of these unethical practices. They also called on the National Universities Commission (NUC) to collaborate with JAMB in sanctioning erring institutions to serve as a deterrent.
A few parents also expressed relief that the board is taking a firm stand, noting that some universities exploit candidates’ desperation for admission by presenting the so-called “change of programme” as a benevolent act.
Implications for the 2025 Admission Cycle
With the ongoing 2025 admission process in full swing, JAMB’s latest warning serves as a critical reminder to both institutions and applicants to adhere strictly to the guidelines. The board has vowed to closely monitor universities’ admission activities and ensure that every offer made is in line with official approval procedures.
Candidates are therefore encouraged to regularly check their admission status through their JAMB profile and confirm any offers directly from CAPS before accepting or rejecting them. JAMB reiterated that no candidate should be coerced into changing a programme, particularly when it does not align with their preference or academic interest.
