JAMB Uncovers Over 9,000 Illegal Admissions in Nigerian Tertiary Institutions
In a bold move to protect the integrity of Nigeria’s higher education system, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has uncovered 9,469 illegal admissions across 20 tertiary institutions in the country for the 2024 academic session. These admissions were carried out outside the official Central Admission Processing System (CAPS)—a direct violation of federal policy.
This alarming discovery has sparked serious concerns about the credibility of some institutions and the future of affected students.
JAMB revealed that several universities, polytechnics, and colleges offered admissions through unauthorised channels, bypassing CAPS—the only government-recognised admission portal. This platform was created to ensure transparency, accountability, and merit-based admission processing.
At the top of the list is Kano State University of Science and Technology, which reportedly admitted 2,215 students illegally. Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) followed with 1,215 unauthorized admissions.
Here’s a breakdown of some of the institutions involved:
- Gombe State University – 1,164
- Emmanuel Alayande University of Education – 761
- Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO) – 534
- Ambrose Alli University – 514
- Igbinedion University – 365
- Akwa Ibom Polytechnic – 340
- College of Nursing, Igbobi – 281
- Achievers University – 267
- Nigeria Police Academy – 263
- Abia State Polytechnic – 256
- And many more…
Why CAPS Matters
CAPS (Central Admission Processing System) was introduced to standardise the admission process in Nigeria. It allows students to:
- Monitor their admission status in real time
- Accept or reject offers
- Ensure fairness and equal opportunity
The system protects students from fraudulent admissions and helps schools maintain national standards. Any offer not uploaded and approved through CAPS is considered null and void.
Illegal Admissions Come With Consequences
Speaking at the 2025 JAMB Policy Meeting in Abuja, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, issued a strong warning:
“Any admission conducted outside CAPS, regardless of its intentions, is illegal.
Both institutions and the candidates involved will be held accountable.”
He further warned that sanctions may include:
- Withdrawal of licenses and institutional assets
- Prosecution of individuals and school officials
- Denial of NYSC participation for affected students
This is not an empty threat. In previous years, students admitted outside CAPS were barred from the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC)—a mandatory requirement for graduates in Nigeria.
What Happens to the Affected Students?
For now, the fate of the 9,469 students remains unclear. Many may not be recognised as legitimate students and could lose their spots entirely. Unless the institutions take urgent steps to regularise these admissions through JAMB, the future of these students hangs in the balance.
This Isn’t the First Time
JAMB has consistently warned institutions against bypassing CAPS. Yet, despite the automated and transparent system, some schools still engage in “backdoor admissions”—a practice driven by internal quotas, corruption, or administrative carelessness.
This fresh list once again exposes the depth of the problem. It also reflects a crackdown on systemic academic fraud.
The Way Forward
To curb further abuse, JAMB and the Federal Ministry of Education plan to:
- Audit admission processes more frequently
- Increase penalties for non-compliant institutions
- Enforce mandatory CAPS verification for all admitted students
For students, it’s now more important than ever to check admission status via www.jamb.gov.ng and accept offers only through CAPS. Any admission not confirmed via the platform is a potential trap.
Related JAMB questions
Here is your revised FAQ section with SEO keywords naturally included in every question, following the Q:/A: format:
Q: What is JAMB CAPS and how does it work for university admission?
A: JAMB CAPS (Central Admission Processing System) is an official online platform used to manage university and polytechnic admissions in Nigeria. It ensures that all admission offers are based on merit, transparency, and institutional quotas. Students can log in to monitor their admission status and either accept or reject offers.
Q: Can I get admission into a Nigerian university without using JAMB CAPS?
A: No. The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has clearly stated that admissions done outside CAPS are illegal. If your admission wasn’t processed through CAPS, it may be invalid, and you could lose access to NYSC or other academic privileges.
Q: Which Nigerian universities are involved in the 2024 illegal admission list released by JAMB?
A: According to the list released by JAMB, 20 tertiary institutions were found to have offered illegal admissions in 2024. These include Kano State University of Science and Technology, LAUTECH, FUTO, Ambrose Alli University, and Gombe State University, among others.
Q: What are the consequences of illegal university admission without JAMB CAPS approval?
A: Students who accept admission outside JAMB CAPS risk losing their admission, being disqualified from NYSC, and having no legal claim to their academic records. The admission may be cancelled unless the institution regularises it with JAMB.
Q: Is JAMB admission still open for 2025 on the CAPS portal?
A: Yes. The JAMB CAPS portal is currently active for the 2025 admission process. Candidates seeking university, polytechnic, or college admission in Nigeria should visit the CAPS portal to check and accept their offers.
Q: How can tertiary institutions in Nigeria regularise illegal admissions with JAMB CAPS?
A: Institutions involved in illegal or unauthorised admissions must contact JAMB to upload student records onto CAPS. Failure to do so may result in prosecution, sanctions, or withdrawal of operational licenses.
Q: Will illegal admission without JAMB CAPS affect my NYSC eligibility?
A: Yes. If your admission was not processed through JAMB CAPS, you will not be eligible for NYSC mobilisation. The NYSC verification system is linked directly to JAMB CAPS, and unapproved admissions are automatically rejected.
Final Thoughts
This development is a wake-up call to both students and institutions. In a system striving for integrity, bypassing official processes doesn’t just break rules—it risks futures. As JAMB intensifies its oversight, compliance with CAPS is no longer optional—it’s mandatory.
