JAMB Warns Universities Against Illegal Admission of Underage Students
The Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has issued a stern warning to universities and other tertiary institutions, urging them to stop the admission of underage students. The Registrar highlighted that state-owned universities are more likely to be involved in such illegal admissions due to their higher numbers compared to federal universities
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The Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has issued a stern warning to universities and other tertiary institutions, urging them to stop the admission of underage students.
JAMB Registrar Prof. Ishaq Oloyede emphasized that such practices are unequivocally “illegal.”
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Speaking at the opening of the seventh biennial conference of the Committee of Pro-Chancellors of State-Owned Universities in Nigeria, Prof. Oloyede underscored the importance of adhering to legal age requirements for admissions. He stated, “For the sake of accountability, data protection, and the integrity of the nation, this act needs to stop because anything that is irregular is illegal.”
He recounted a troubling incident where a European country questioned the legitimacy of a 15-year-old Nigerian student's university graduation. The European country inquired whether it was possible for a 15-year-old to graduate and apply for a postgraduate course in Nigeria. Oloyede had to contact the Vice-Chancellor of the university in question to confirm the graduation but clarified that the student was not admitted by JAMB.
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The Registrar highlighted that state-owned universities are more likely to be involved in such illegal admissions due to their higher numbers compared to federal universities. Oloyede also pointed out the issue of the illegal admission of diploma students, revealing that last year, 9,000 diploma students were admitted, with a significant number from a particular university.
“Illegal admission of diploma students also needs to stop. Last year, we admitted 9,000 diploma students; I was alarmed that about 3,000 came from a particular university". He expressed concerns about the impact of these actions on the education system, cautioning that everyone must be held accountable to prevent further damage.
