RECENT revelations by the Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Is-haq Oloyede, have once again brought to light the rampant issue of illegal admissions in Nigerian universities. During an admission policy meeting in Abuja, Oloyede accused several prominent institutions, including University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), University of Abuja, National Open University (NOUN), Kwara State University and Ambrose Alli University, Ekpoma, Edo State of engaging in corrupt admission practices.
According to Oloyede, the Nigerian government has granted waivers to approximately one million candidates who were allegedly admitted illegally between 2017 and 2020. Despite this unprecedented concession, only about 600 candidates have been registered so far, as many lack the basic qualifications. This indicates that a significant number of students may have been admitted into higher institutions without meeting the necessary academic criteria. Such practices undermine the integrity of the Nigerian educational system and devalue the worth of academic certificates.
The allegations against these institutions are serious and multi-faceted. The National Open University (NOUN) is said to have offered over 700 admissions outside the JAMB Central Admission Processing System (CAPS), causing embarrassment to both JAMB and the university. Other institutions, like the University of Nigeria, Nsukka have faced admission crises for regulated programmes such as Medicine, Law and Nursing. The University of Abuja has been issuing admission letters before completing the necessary processes on CAPS, while Imo State University is under investigation for admission racketeering. Kwara State University has also been implicated in issues related to university diplomas.
These corrupt practices have far-reaching consequences. They not only compromise the quality of education but also erode public trust in the educational system. Students who gain admission through illegal means may lack the necessary academic foundation, leading to a decline in the overall standard of education. Furthermore, these practices can create a culture of impunity and corruption, which can have a ripple effect on other sectors of society.
Addressing the issue of illegal admissions requires a mult-faceted approach. JAMB and other regulatory bodies need to enhance their oversight capabilities. This includes improving the functionality and transparency of the CAPS system to ensure that all admissions are processed through a central, verifiable platform. Institutions and individuals found guilty of engaging in illegal admissions should face stringent penalties. This could include revocation of licenses, fines and criminal charges. Such measures would serve as a deterrent to others.
There is need for increased awareness about the consequences of illegal admissions. Students, parents and educators should be grilled on the importance of adhering to established admission procedures and the long-term benefits of maintaining academic integrity. Leveraging technology can help in monitoring and preventing illegal admissions. Blockchain technology, for instance, could be used to create an immutable record of admissions, making it difficult to manipulate or falsify records. The Federal Ministry of Education should play an active role in monitoring admissions processes and intervening when irregularities are detected. Regular audits and inspections must be applied to identify and address issues promptly.
The issue of illegal admissions in Nigerian universities is a serious problem that requires urgent attention. The observations made by JAMB highlights the need for comprehensive reforms to ensure the integrity of the admission process. By strengthening oversight mechanisms, enforcing strict penalties, raising awareness, leveraging technology and ensuring government intervention, Nigeria can begin to address this pervasive issue and restore confidence. The future of our education depends on the collective efforts of all stakeholders and the time is now. And JAMB must not stop at apportioning blames.
