By DAYO ADESULU
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has addressed public reactions surrounding Miss Kareem Kaamilah Omolarami, the underage candidate who scored 371 in the 2025 Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) and applied for admission to the Nile University of Nigeria.
In a detailed statement signed by Dr. Fabian Benjamin, JAMB’s Public Communication Advisor, the Board reaffirmed its commitment to transparency, fairness, and strict adherence to due process in all admission matters.
JAMB Explains CAPS and Screening for Underage Candidates
According to the Board, its Central Admission Processing System (CAPS) was introduced to standardize and automate admission procedures across all tertiary institutions in Nigeria. The goal, it said, is to eliminate human interference and ensure merit-based admissions.
JAMB further explained that a special four-stage screening process was designed for underage candidates to recognize exceptional academic performance while maintaining the integrity of the system. The stages include:
1. Scoring a minimum of 320 in UTME;
2. Obtaining at least 80% in the Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE);
3. Scoring 80% or more in the university’s internal screening; and
4. Undergoing a final screening conducted by a JAMB-appointed panel of Vice-Chancellors, civil society members, and education experts, where the candidate must again achieve at least 80%.
Progression through the stages depends on meeting the preceding criteria.
Why the Candidate Was Not Invited to the Final Stage
JAMB clarified that Miss Kareem met the first two requirements but was reported absent during Nile University’s internal screening, which served as the third stage of the process.
The university’s official report to JAMB indicated her non-participation, which automatically rendered her ineligible for the final evaluation held on October 8–9, 2025.
> “Her non-invitation to the final stage was not due to any administrative oversight, bias, or procedural lapse,” the Board stated.
“It was solely based on the official report submitted by Nile University confirming her absence.”
Formal Complaint Under Review
The statement also confirmed that Miss Kareem submitted a formal complaint through JAMB’s support portal on October 7, 2025, challenging her exclusion from the next screening stage.
In response, JAMB said it has requested an official explanation from Nile University and is awaiting the institution’s report before making a final decision on the matter.
The Board stressed that while it regulates and approves admissions into all tertiary institutions, universities are responsible for recommending candidates based on verified internal assessments.
84 Underage Candidates Cleared for Admission
JAMB disclosed that it will soon release the results of 84 other successful underage candidates who met all screening requirements and are being processed for admission to their respective institutions.
> “JAMB’s actions are guided strictly by verified information from each institution,” the statement emphasized.
“The Board remains committed to fairness, transparency, and due process.”—
JAMB Cautions Against Media Escalation
In conclusion, the Board advised candidates to use JAMB’s internal complaint channels before approaching the media, noting that such processes ensure timely and accurate resolution of issues.
