The Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has urged Nigerian students to reject shortcuts and embrace integrity as a foundation for national development.
Speaking at the International Students’ Day celebration held at the University of Abuja on Monday, 17 November 2025—with the theme “Empowering Students to be Agents of Change and Reigniting Patriotism among Nigerian Youths”—the Registrar, represented by the Director of Admissions, Mr. Muhammad Babaji Ahmed, said students must see themselves as active contributors to Nigeria’s progress.
He warned that vices such as examination malpractice, drug abuse, cultism, cybercrime, and the rising desire for quick success are weakening the moral fabric of the nation.
“Today’s students must see themselves not just as beneficiaries of national resources but as vehicles for national progress. True empowerment lies in taking ownership of your future and contributing meaningfully to society,” he said.
The Registrar stressed that patriotism is best demonstrated through innovation, volunteerism, community service, and a commitment to doing what is right.
According to him, with over two million UTME candidates every year, JAMB is fully aware of the dreams, challenges, and potential of Nigerian youths.
He noted, however, that success is not measured by admission alone, but by the ability to transform knowledge into service and productivity.
He praised the intelligence and resourcefulness of Nigerian students but expressed concern over the growing trend of moral decline, loss of national pride, and the obsession with wealth over genuine worth.
When education becomes reduced to as mere certificate, it loses its essence. Shortcuts destroy individuals and corrode the nation,” he added.
The Registrar highlighted several reforms implemented by JAMB to strengthen integrity in the education sector, including:
—Full reliance on Computer-Based Testing (CBT)
—Transparent admissions through CAPS
—-CCTV surveillance for real-time monitoring of examination centres
—-Blacklisting and prosecution of offenders
He cited other barriers to youth development, such as certificate forgery, outdated curricula, exclusion of young people from policymaking, and weakened moral values.
Calling for a collective moral reset, he urged parents to build character at home, institutions to uphold transparency, and students to embrace honesty and hard work.
“The future of Nigeria rests squarely on the shoulders of its youths. The real question is not whether you will lead tomorrow, but what kind of leader you will become,” he said.
He concluded by urging all stakeholders to work together to build a Nigeria where every certificate truly reflects merit, diligence, and integrity, and commended NANS for its commitment to student development.
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