The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has cautioned admission seekers against falling for unauthorized institutional requests to change their programmes, warning that such acts are designed to manipulate the merit-based admission process.
In a statement issued on Tuesday in Abuja by its spokesman, Dr. Fabian Benjamin, the examination body described the practice as “unethical and fraudulent,” noting that it undermines transparency and fairness in Nigeria’s admission system.
JAMB explained that some institutions have resorted to persuading candidates to alter their preferred programmes in order to create space for their own preferred applicants in the admission ranking order. The Board condemned the practice, saying it violates the principles of merit and accountability that guide the Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS).
“All admissions into tertiary institutions in Nigeria are conducted exclusively through CAPS — a platform designed to guarantee fairness, equity, and transparency,” the statement read. “Any change of programme or admission process carried out outside the JAMB CAPS is unauthorized, unethical, and detrimental to the affected candidates.”
JAMB warned that any modification of programmes done after a candidate has been influenced through an institutional portal will be considered voluntary and therefore binding on the candidate.
“For institutions to engage in such backdoor manoeuvres clearly indicates an intent to deceive and shortchange candidates, and such acts will not be condoned by the Board,” Benjamin added.
The statement revealed that preliminary investigations have already implicated a university in the South-West and another in Abuja in such unethical activities. JAMB said regulatory measures have been initiated to address the violations and protect the interests of candidates.
The Board urged candidates to remain vigilant and ensure that all admission-related activities are carried out only through the official JAMB CAPS portal.
“Candidates are strongly advised to disregard any invitation or request to change programmes made through institutional portals or unofficial channels,” the Board said, reaffirming its commitment to fairness, equity, and transparency in the 2025 admission exercise and beyond.
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