The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has raised concern over reports that some institutions are using their internal portals to pressure or persuade qualified candidates, especially those ranked highly on the Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS), to switch from their preferred programmes to less-subscribed ones.
According to JAMB, this unethical practice is aimed at creating space for the institutions’ preferred candidates to move up in the admission ranking order, which is a clear manipulation of the merit-based process that was established to promote transparency and fairness.
In a statement, the Board emphasized that “all admission processes in Nigeria are conducted exclusively through CAPS, the platform created to ensure accountability, transparency, and equal opportunity in admission placements.” It further warned that any change of programme or admission action done outside the JAMB CAPS is unauthorized, unethical, and could negatively affect the candidates involved.
JAMB described the actions of the institutions as deceptive and a deliberate attempt to shortchange candidates. “For institutions to engage in such backdoor maneuvers clearly indicates an intent to deceive and shortchange candidates, and such acts will not be condoned by the Board,” it said.
Candidates have therefore been strongly advised to ignore any invitation or request to change their programmes through institutional portals or other unofficial channels. The Board also stated that if any candidate is influenced by such persuasion and later effects a change of programme on CAPS, that action will be considered voluntary. “In such instances, JAMB will not be held responsible for the consequences of that decision,” the statement added.
Preliminary findings by JAMB revealed that a university in the South-West and another in Abuja have been involved in this practice. The Board said it has already taken appropriate regulatory steps to address these unethical acts and ensure that candidates’ interests are protected.
JAMB urged all candidates to remain vigilant and conduct all admission-related activities strictly through the official JAMB CAPS portal. The Board reaffirmed its commitment to fairness, equity, and transparency in the 2025 admission exercise and beyond.
