NIGERIA: FG Debunks Report Claiming JAMB Is No Longer Required for Tertiary Admissions

By Ameenat Hamzat, Lagos, Nigeria 

The Federal Government of Nigeria has dismissed reports circulating on some newspapers and online platforms claiming that the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) is no longer required for admission into tertiary institutions in the country.

In a statement signed by the Honourable Minister of Education, Dr. Maruf Tunji Alausa, CON, the Ministry described the publication as false, baseless, and misleading, stressing that it did not originate from the Federal Ministry of Education.

Dr. Alausa stated: “At no point did the Ministry issue or authorize any statement suggesting that JAMB is no longer mandatory for admission into tertiary institution.”

He reaffirmed that JAMB remains the sole statutory and legally empowered body responsible for conducting entrance examinations and coordinating admissions into all tertiary institutions in Nigeria.

The Minister emphasized that the established admission process through JAMB remains fully operational, urging the public to disregard any report suggesting otherwise.

The Ministry reiterated its collaboration with JAMB and other relevant agencies to sustain transparency, fairness, and merit-based processes in tertiary admissions.

“The Ministry remains committed to protecting the integrity of the admission process and ensuring that merit and due process guide all admissions into higher institutions,” the statement added.

Dr. Alausa also cautioned media organizations, bloggers, and online publishers to verify information from official government sources before dissemination to avoid misleading the public and creating confusion in the education sector.

The statement further reassured Nigerians that there has been no change in JAMB’s role, noting that the examination body remains central and indispensable in Nigeria’s tertiary education framework.

Members of the public, particularly prospective students, parents, and tertiary institutions, were advised to rely solely on the official websites and social media handles of the Federal Ministry of Education and JAMB for verified updates on educational matters.