JAMB Still Prerequisite for Admission into Tertiary Institutions in Nigeria – FG, Board Dismiss Rumours
JAMB Still Prerequisite for Admission into Tertiary Institutions in Nigeria – FG, Board Dismiss Rumours
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) and the Federal Government have dismissed as false and misleading reports circulating on social media and some online platforms claiming that the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) is no longer a prerequisite for admission into tertiary institutions in Nigeria.
A statement by JAMB’s Director of Public Affairs and Protocols, Dr. Fabian Benjamin, described the publication as malicious and unfounded, insisting that the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, never made any such announcement.
Dr. Benjamin clarified that the UTME remains the only recognized qualifying examination for admission into all Nigerian universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education, adding that the Board will continue to discharge its duties in line with its legal mandate.
“For the avoidance of doubt, JAMB remains the statutory body empowered to conduct entrance examinations and coordinate admissions into all tertiary institutions in Nigeria,” the statement noted. “The public should disregard any contrary information being circulated by individuals or platforms seeking to mislead candidates and parents.”
In a similar development, the Federal Ministry of Education, through its Director of Press and Public Relations, Mrs. Folasade Boriowo, also reaffirmed the government’s position, describing the viral publication as “baseless and entirely fabricated.”
According to the Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, the Federal Government has not made any policy change regarding the role of JAMB in Nigeria’s tertiary education system.
“The established admission processes through JAMB remain fully operational, and any contrary information should be disregarded in its entirety.”
He reiterated the Ministry’s commitment to transparency, fairness, and merit in the admission process and pledged continued collaboration with JAMB and other relevant agencies to maintain the integrity of Nigeria’s education system.
The Ministry also urged students, parents, and tertiary institutions to rely solely on the official communication channels of both the Ministry and JAMB for accurate and verified information regarding admission policies.
Furthermore, it cautioned media outlets, bloggers, and online platforms against publishing unverified reports capable of causing confusion in the education sector.
“There has been no change in the existing role of JAMB, which remains central and indispensable in Nigeria’s tertiary education framework.”
The public is advised to visit the official websites and verified social media handles of the Federal Ministry of Education and JAMB for authentic updates on educational matters.