JAMB Warns Universities Against Manipulating Candidates to Change Programmes

…Vows Sanctions for Defaulters

The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has issued a strong warning to tertiary institutions allegedly coercing or persuading qualified candidates—especially those ranked high on the Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS)—to switch from their original programmes to less-subscribed ones through internal school portals.

In a statement released on Monday by its Public Communication Adviser, Dr. Fabian Benjamin, JAMB described the practice as unethical, manipulative, and a clear violation of the merit-based admission process designed to ensure transparency, accountability, and fairness.

The Board noted that some institutions have been exploiting internal systems to pressure top-ranking candidates into surrendering their rightful admission slots, thereby creating room for preferred applicants to move up the admission list.

> “All admission processes in Nigeria must be conducted solely through the JAMB CAPS platform,” the statement emphasized.
“Any change of programme or admission action executed outside CAPS is unauthorized, unethical, and potentially detrimental to the affected candidates.”

JAMB added that any candidate who yields to such pressure and later initiates a programme change on CAPS would be considered to have done so voluntarily, and the Board would not be held liable for any negative consequences that may follow.

Preliminary investigations, according to JAMB, have already identified a university in the South-West and another in Abuja involved in this practice. The Board said regulatory measures have been initiated to address these violations and protect candidates’ interests.

The statement further advised candidates to disregard any invitation or request to change programmes through institutional portals or unofficial channels.

Reiterating its commitment to fairness, JAMB assured the public that it remains steadfast in promoting a merit-driven, transparent, and equitable admission process for the 2025 admission cycle and beyond.