The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has issued a warning to newly established, upgraded, and adopted tertiary institutions against engaging in illegal admissions, stating that there will be no leniency or possibility for regularization for those who do not comply.
During an interactive session in Abuja, JAMB Registrar Prof. Is-haq Oloyede emphasized that all admissions must be processed through the Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS) and must follow proper protocols.He stated, “CAPS ensures transparency, fairness, and integrity in admissions. Institutions attempting to bypass this system risk having those admissions invalidated.”Oloyede urged the over 80 new institutions recently sanctioned by the Federal Government to fully adhere to established admission procedures.He explained that CAPS, introduced in 2017, automates and standardizes the admissions process, while the Integrated Brochure and Syllabus System (IBASS), launched in 2018, allows for clear communication and eligibility checks for various programs.According to him, these two platforms, which have now been enhanced with institutional email services, serve as JAMB’s only official communication channels.
The JAMB Registrar praised the Federal Government, led by President Bola Tinubu, for its dedication to increasing access to tertiary education, highlighting the approval of 22 new universities, 33 new polytechnics and monotechnics, as well as 12 new colleges of education across the nation between 2024 and 2025.
He noted that while CAPS and IBASS accounts have been created for these institutions, only programs authorized by the National Universities Commission (NUC), National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), and National Commission for Colleges of Education (NCCE) would be activated.Oloyede also outlined the correct procedures for onboarding candidates, emphasizing that institutions must appoint designated officers to manage access to CAPS and IBASS. “JAMB will provide comprehensive technical support, but compliance is essential. Institutions must avoid shortcuts.
There is no permissible method for admitting students through backdoor means,” he added.Following the session, a live demonstration of both the CAPS and IBASS systems was conducted to familiarize institutions with their operational protocols.
Additionally, Prof. William Qurix, Vice-Chancellor of the Federal University of Applied Sciences, Kachia, remarked that the meeting aimed to educate institutional heads about the workings and operations of CAPS and IBASS, which facilitate communication and interaction with JAMB.Prof. Qurix noted that some candidates had already registered for JAMB before certain new universities and polytechnics were approved or established, leading to challenges in attracting candidates to these institutions. “
However, this process has been clarified for us, and we feel more informed.
JAMB has assured us of a prompt response to any inquiries from institutional heads through their CAPS or IBASS systems.
This meeting has certainly enlightened us and will have a significant impact,” he stated.Earlier, Dr. Uche Uba, Director of Colleges at the Ministry of Education, mentioned that there are specific criteria established by the National Universities Commission (NUC) that new institutions must adhere to. Uba encouraged colleges of education to transition to a dual mode of operation and engage with NUC officials to familiarize themselves with these criteria.
