The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has issued a public warning to institutions engaging in unethical practices aimed at influencing candidates to alter their course preferences outside the Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS). JAMB Warns Institutions Against Admission Manipulation

Reports reaching the Board indicate that some institutions have been using internal portals to persuade or pressure highly ranked candidates to change from their preferred programmes to less-subscribed ones. This manipulation is designed to promote other candidates within the admission ranking order, undermining the merit-based structure that JAMB established to promote fairness and transparency.

JAMB Reaffirms the Use of CAPS for All Admission Activities

JAMB reminded candidates and institutions that all admission processes in Nigeria must be conducted exclusively through CAPS. The system was developed to ensure accountability, equal opportunity, and transparency in every stage of the admission process.

Any admission-related action, including course changes made outside the official JAMB CAPS platform, is considered unauthorised and unethical. Institutions involved in such actions risk regulatory sanctions.

Candidates are urged to ignore any invitations or messages from institutions asking them to make programme changes through internal portals or other unofficial means.

JAMB’s Position on Unauthorised Programme Changes

According to the Board, any programme change made on CAPS after a candidate has been influenced by an institution will be treated as voluntary, and JAMB will not be responsible for any resulting consequences.

Preliminary findings revealed that a university in the South-West and another in Abuja were involved in this practice. The Board has since begun regulatory actions to address the matter and to safeguard the interests of affected candidates.

Closing Note

JAMB advises all prospective students to conduct their admission activities solely through the JAMB CAPS portal. The Board remains committed to maintaining a fair, transparent, and credible admission system that upholds merit and integrity across all tertiary institutions in Nigeria.