The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has called on parents and candidates to speak out if they are confident in their Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) scores but fail to secure admission into their preferred institutions, stressing that transparency and fairness now define the admission process.
Registrar of JAMB, Ishaq Oloyede, made the appeal during an interview on Good Morning Nigeria, a flagship programme of the Nigerian Television Authority. In a video shared by the broadcaster on Tuesday, Oloyede expressed concern over the persistence of illegal practices in the admission process, particularly among parents who believe that manipulation is the only route to success.
According to him, some parents have become so accustomed to unethical shortcuts that they no longer trust legitimate channels. “Many have climbed the ladder to illegality and think that is the only way,” he said, warning that such practices not only undermine the system but also jeopardise the future of the candidates involved.
Oloyede, however, insisted that the current admission framework has undergone significant reforms to eliminate manipulation and ensure equity for all applicants. He emphasised that candidates who meet the required criteria but suspect irregularities in their admission status should not remain silent but instead make use of official complaint channels provided by the board.
“The system today is transparent. If you are sure of your score and you are qualified, and yet you are not admitted, raise your voice through the appropriate channels,” he advised.
The JAMB registrar noted that the board has strengthened its Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS), which allows candidates to monitor their admission status in real time and ensures that institutions adhere strictly to merit, catchment area considerations, and other approved guidelines.
He also highlighted the dangers of engaging in admission fraud, including the use of middlemen or “agents” who promise to secure placements for a fee. Such practices, he warned, often lead to financial loss, disqualification, or even legal consequences.
Education stakeholders have welcomed JAMB’s renewed stance, noting that increased awareness and public confidence in the system are critical to sustaining the reforms. They argue that encouraging candidates to challenge perceived injustices through official means will not only deter corruption but also strengthen accountability within tertiary institutions.
For many candidates across Nigeria, gaining admission into higher institutions remains highly competitive, with limited spaces available each year. This reality has, over time, fueled desperation and the rise of fraudulent practices. However, Oloyede maintained that integrity must remain the cornerstone of the process.
He further urged parents to guide their children responsibly and resist the temptation to seek undue advantage, stressing that long-term success is built on merit and hard work, not shortcuts.
As the admission season progresses, JAMB reiterated its commitment to fairness and urged all stakeholders to play their part in upholding the credibility of Nigeria’s education system. The board expressed confidence that with continued vigilance and cooperation from the public, the era of opaque and compromised admissions would gradually become a thing of the past.
