The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has warned candidates seeking admission into tertiary institutions against accepting offers that do not pass through its Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS), describing such admissions as illegal and potentially worthless.
Speaking at the 2026 Education Summit organised by the Education Correspondents Association of Nigeria in Abuja, JAMB Registrar, Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, said only admissions processed through CAPS and backed by official JAMB admission letters would be recognised.
According to the Board, candidates who gain admission outside the approved process risk exclusion from the national matriculation list, a development that could affect their academic records and future prospects.
JAMB also warned institutions against exceeding approved admission quotas, insisting that admissions beyond authorised carrying capacities would not be recognised.
The National Universities Commission (NUC) reinforced the warning, announcing plans to intensify monitoring of universities to ensure compliance with admission regulations.
While the measures are aimed at improving transparency, observers note that illegal admissions have persisted for years despite repeated warnings from regulators.
Critics argue that stronger sanctions against offending institutions, rather than continuous advisories to students, may be necessary to curb the practice and restore confidence in the admission process.
