THE Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has warned that it will take action against higher education institutions that do not promptly submit their lists of newly admitted students following matriculation.
This information was disclosed in a memo titled ‘CLARIFICATION ON DISCLOSURE OF ADMITTED CANDIDATES OUTSIDE CAPS (2017-DATE).
JAMB’s Public Communications Advisor, Fabian Benjamin, stated that this measure stems from recommendations made by a committee established by the Federal Government to address the issue of fake degree mills in the country.
As stated in the memo, institutions are required to “regularly submit their matriculation lists to the Federal Ministry of Education within three months following matriculation ceremonies.” These lists must be submitted via JAMB’s designated channel.
“The Board has noticed a significant influx of candidates visiting its offices to resolve issues related to the disclosure of students admitted outside the Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS) from 2017 onward. While we appreciate this enthusiasm, it is important to clarify that the focus should be on the institutions’ responsibilities, not the actions of the candidates. Institutions are required to disclose all candidates admitted outside of CAPS before the deadline of August 31, 2024.
“This directive necessitates immediate attention and compliance. We urge institutions to thoroughly review our initial communication and ensure complete adherence, as any failure to disclose will lead to severe repercussions. Candidates are also reminded not to accept any admissions outside of CAPS.
“The Board emphasizes that candidates not acknowledged by institutions will not be accommodated. Any undisclosed admissions moving forward will not be permitted.”
This announcement follows the establishment of an Inter-Ministerial Investigative Committee on Degree Certificate Milling by the Federal Government to investigate the prevalence of certificate fraud, as highlighted in an investigative report by Daily Nigerian that unveiled the operations of fake degree mills in the Benin Republic.
Moreover, in a memo addressed to JAMB on July 15, 2024, the education ministry noted, “You may recall that allegations of certificate racketeering involving several foreign institutions, particularly in Cotonou, Benin Republic, and other locations, prompted the formation of an inter-ministerial committee to investigate these claims and seek effective solutions.
“The committee has submitted its findings, and the Honourable Minister of Education has endorsed its recommendations for action.
“In light of this, I hereby communicate the Honourable Minister’s request for the implementation of the following recommendations:
“Institutions must exclusively conduct their admissions processes through the Central Admissions Processing System under the purview of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board and submit their matriculation lists to the Federal Ministry of Education within three months after matriculation ceremonies via JAMB’s dedicated channel.
“We kindly ask that you implement the above recommendations and provide updates on your progress.”
Recall that recently the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has demobilized a total of 54 corps members illegally mobilized by the University of Calabar, on top of the 101 certificates already voided by the organization, bringing the total to 178.
An investigation by Daily Nigerian reporter Umar Audu uncovered a quick-degree acquisition scheme where he obtained a degree in just six weeks before returning to Nigeria to participate in the mandatory one-year NYSC service. This investigation spurred the Federal Government to impose a ban on the accreditation and evaluation of degrees from both Benin Republic and Togo.
Education Minister Tahir Mamman pledged to eliminate holders of fake degrees from Nigeria’s educational system.