JAMB warns institutions against illegal admissions outside CAPS

Education

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has warned tertiary institutions against offering admissions outside the Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS), describing the practice as illegal and contrary to federal regulations.

The warning was issued by the JAMB Registrar, Ishaq Oloyede, during the 2026 Policy Meeting on Admissions into Tertiary Institutions held on Monday in Abuja.

According to Oloyede, some institutions were still issuing admission letters to candidates without approval through CAPS, despite existing government directives.

He said the practice undermines transparency and fairness in the admission process.

The registrar also alleged that there were cases where candidates with higher examination scores were denied admission, while others with lower scores secured placements.

According to him, disciplinary measures have already been initiated against institutions involved in such practices, adding that sanctions would be enforced where necessary.

Oloyede further disclosed that a case involving 11 universities over alleged illegal admissions is currently before the court.

The JAMB registrar also addressed complaints regarding candidates allegedly being posted outside their selected examination towns.

He explained that candidates personally choose their preferred examination towns during registration and are only assigned to centres within those approved locations.

According to him, investigations conducted by the board confirmed that no candidate was posted outside his or her selected examination town.

He added that the matter was also reviewed by the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC).

Oloyede reiterated that all admissions into tertiary institutions in Nigeria must be processed through CAPS and urged institutions to comply strictly with approved admission guidelines.