By DAYO ADESULU
Clarifying Admissions Process: JAMB Demands Accountability and Transparency Amid Rising Complaints
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has taken a firm stand against the unfounded allegations made by some candidates and their parents regarding unjust denials of admission to various universities, despite what they perceive as high UTME scores.
Addressing Misunderstandings: A Case Study
A recent incident involved Mr. Godwin Nsan, who publicly accused the University of Calabar of unfairly denying his son admission. Although he protested to JAMB, he failed to provide the necessary details to support his claim until after publicly criticizing the university. Upon review, it was found that his son’s UTME score of 201 and an aggregate score of 34% fell significantly below the required thresholds for admission.
Open Communication: JAMB’s Response
To prevent such misunderstandings, JAMB has introduced a Ticketing Platform, allowing candidates and guardians to seek clarifications before voicing grievances publicly. As a regulatory body, JAMB is dedicated to ensuring that qualified candidates are prioritized over those who do not meet admission standards.
Investigating Allegations: A Transparent Process
In another instance, a senior public figure claimed that Modibbo Adama University, Yola, had discriminated against certain candidates during the admission process. JAMB promptly investigated these claims and found them to be baseless, providing the individual with clear explanations regarding the admissions process.
Promoting Accountability and Fairness
JAMB shares its findings with relevant universities to promote accountability and adherence to admission guidelines. While the Board welcomes legitimate complaints, it condemns public attacks on institutions that are simply fulfilling their responsibilities.
Clarifying Admission Rankings
Recently, a parent alleged that his son, who scored 345, was unjustly denied admission to the University of Jos. JAMB participated in a radio program to explain the ranking process, highlighting that a high score does not guarantee admission if a candidate ranks lower among peers. The parent was later invited to JAMB’s National Headquarters, where he learned that his son was ranked 86th among candidates, with only 68 admissions available based on merit.
A Call for Realistic Expectations
In light of these misunderstandings, JAMB encourages parents to avoid overestimating their children’s abilities without considering the overall candidate landscape. This approach can alleviate feelings of desperation and disappointment.
The “Exceptionally Brilliant Window” Misconception
JAMB has also noted the misuse of the “exceptionally brilliant window” for the 2025 UTME, which allows candidates under 16 to take the exam based on exceptional performance. The unexpectedly high number of registrations through this window highlights a disconnect between parental perceptions and the reality of candidate performance.
Commitment to Fairness and Transparency
JAMB is committed to upholding the rights of all candidates by ensuring a fair and transparent admissions process based on performance. The Board is investigating allegations of unfair treatment and will take necessary actions to clarify any issues.
Upholding Admission Integrity
Currently, a senior university staff member is facing prosecution for admission-related crimes, with four others under investigation. JAMB takes admission infractions seriously and will act against individuals engaged in questionable practices.
Conclusion: A Call for Caution
JAMB urges parents to refrain from hasty conclusions regarding their children’s admissions without considering the broader context of overall candidate performance. The UTME serves as a critical ranking examination, determining each candidate’s position within the limited available spaces in our nation’s tertiary institutions.
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Fabian Benjamin, Ph.D.
Public Communication Advisor
JAMB
