Yemi Obafemi
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has cautioned candidates against falling for institutional schemes aimed at manipulating their programme choices, warning that any change of course or admission activity conducted outside the Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS) is unauthorized, unethical, and detrimental to affected candidates.
This warning was contained in a press statement signed by Dr. Fabian Benjamin, Head of Media and Public Relations at JAMB on Monday.
According to the Board, the advisory follows reports that some institutions have been using their internal portals to pressure or persuade qualified candidates, especially those highly ranked on CAPS, to switch from their preferred programmes to less-subscribed courses.
JAMB described the practice as unethical, explaining that it is designed to make room for the institutions’ preferred candidates to move up in the admission ranking order — a move that undermines the merit-based system established to ensure transparency and fairness.
The statement reads in part: “The Board wishes to remind all candidates and institutions that all admission processes in Nigeria are conducted exclusively through CAPS the platform created to ensure accountability, transparency, and equal opportunity in admission placements,” the statement read.
“Any change of programme or admission activity carried out outside the JAMB CAPS is unauthorized, unethical, and ultimately detrimental to the affected candidates.”
JAMB disclosed that preliminary investigations had identified a university in the South-West and another in Abuja involved in the malpractice. The Board said it has already initiated regulatory measures to address the unethical acts and safeguard candidates’ interests.
JAMB further stated that for any institution to engage in such backdoor maneuvers clearly indicates an intent to deceive and shortchange candidates, stressing that such acts will not be condoned.
The Board, therefore, urged candidates to disregard any invitation or request to change programmes through institutional portals or other unofficial channels.
It also warned that any change of programme eventually reflected on CAPS after a candidate has been influenced by an institution through its own portal would be considered voluntary, and JAMB would not be held responsible for the consequences.
“Consequently, candidates are strongly advised to disregard any invitation or request to change programmes made through institutional portals or unofficial channels.
“Furthermore, the Board warns that any change of programme eventually effected on CAPS after a candidate has been influenced or persuaded by an institution through its own portal will be deemed voluntary on the part of the candidate.
“Candidates are therefore urged to remain vigilant and conduct all admission-related activities strictly through the JAMB CAPS portal,” the statement added.
“The Board reaffirms its unwavering commitment to ensuring that all qualified candidates are treated with fairness, equity, and transparency in the 2025 admission exercise and beyond.”
