The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has found a serious problem. They identified 9,469 invalid admissions across 20 Nigerian tertiary institutions for 2024.
These enrollments skipped the Central Admission Processing System (CAPS).
This online tool manages and regulates admissions. JAMB’s report lists Kano State University of Science and Technology first.
It has 2,215 questionable admissions, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology follows with 1,215.
Other schools include Gombe State University (1,164) and Emmanuel Alayande University of Education (761).
Federal University of Technology, Owerri has 534, Ambrose Alli University has 514, Igbinedion University has 365.
Akwa-Ibom Polytechnic has 340, The College of Nursing at National Orthopedic Hospital, Igbobi has 281. More schools are on the list.
Achievers University has 267, Nigeria Police Academy has 263. Abia State Polytechnic has 256, Osun State University has 224.
Federal University, Lafia has 189, Niger State Polytechnic has 182, Federal Polytechnic, Ida has 171, Edo State Polytechnic has 166.
Anchor University has 133, Michael and Cecilia Ibru University has 116, Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology has 113.
What CAPS Does for Admissions
CAPS aims to make admissions clear and fast, it lets students track their progress online, ensures fairness with merit-based choices.
Universities process enrollments quickly with this platform, applicants get regular updates. Yet, JAMB has warned schools about backdoor entries.
These are admissions outside CAPS, and they bar students from the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC).
At the 2025 JAMB policy meeting in Abuja, Education Minister Dr. Tunji Alausa spoke up.
He said non-CAPS admissions are illegal, this shows the government’s focus on high standards.
Penalties and Official Position
Dr. Alausa takes a strong stand. He holds schools and individuals accountable for irregular admissions.
“Admissions outside CAPS break the law,” he said.
He warned of tough penalties, these include seizing school resources.
Legal action may target officials and council members, this approach protects Nigeria’s education system.
It shields students from unrecognized enrollments.
His comments have sparked talks, as some schools may have boosted numbers or favored candidates, which undermines CAPS fairness.
Building a Better Future
This issue shows the challenge of uniform rules. Nigeria’s education system is diverse. Thousands of students may be affected.
Now, attention turns to JAMB and the Ministry of Education. They must handle the fallout. Support for impacted students is key.
This also raises questions. Are current checks effective? More training or penalties may be needed.
The government pushes for compliance as the next few months will test this effort.
The goal is a fair admission process for all.
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