By Obasola Olatunde
The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has warned admission seekers not to be coerced by tertiary institutions into changing their chosen programmes, describing the act as unauthorised and unethical manipulation of the admission process.
The warning, issued in a statement by JAMB’s Spokesman, Dr. Fabian Benjamin, in Abuja, cautioned that some institutions were pressuring candidates to alter their programmes to favour other applicants in the admission ranking order a move the board said undermines merit, fairness, and transparency.
According to JAMB, all admission activities in Nigeria are processed exclusively through the Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS), a digital platform designed to ensure accountability and equity in placements.
“Any change of programme or admission done outside the JAMB CAPS is unauthorised, unethical, and ultimately detrimental to the affected candidates,” the statement read.
The board noted that preliminary findings had uncovered two universities one in the South West and another in Abuja involved in the manipulation, adding that regulatory actions had been initiated to address the malpractice.
JAMB further warned that any change later effected on CAPS after a candidate has been influenced by an institution’s internal portal would be deemed voluntary, absolving the board of responsibility.
“For institutions to engage in such backdoor maneuvers clearly indicates an intent to deceive and shortchange candidates, and such acts will not be condoned,” Benjamin said.
The board urged candidates to disregard any invitation or request to modify their programmes via institutional websites or unofficial channels, reiterating that all legitimate admission activities must take place through the JAMB CAPS portal.
It reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring that all qualified candidates are treated with fairness, equity, and transparency throughout the 2025 admission exercise and beyond.