An analysis of the admissions data for the 2022/2023 academic session in Nigerian universities, polytechnics, and other tertiary institutions reveals that 88 institutions conducted admissions outside the Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS).
According to the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), any admissions carried out outside CAPS are deemed illegal, null, and void.
JAMB introduced CAPS in 2017 to streamline and automate the admissions process, requiring all tertiary institutions to upload the admission status of candidates. This system centralizes and automates the interaction between candidates and their chosen institutions.
In 2020, JAMB explicitly warned institutions against offering admissions through their own portals, labeling such actions as a direct violation of the CAPS protocol.
In April 2024, JAMB reiterated its stance, stating it would no longer tolerate illegal admissions conducted outside CAPS.
The board issued a bulletin advising candidates to reject admissions not processed through CAPS.
The statement, titled ‘Cessation of Illegal/Irregular Admissions,’ emphasized that all admissions to first degree, national diploma, national innovation diploma, and the Nigeria Certificate in Education programs—whether full-time, part-time, distance learning, or other formats—must be processed exclusively through JAMB.
In a report titled ‘Compiled Assessment of Institutions on Compliance with the 2022/2023 Admission Guidelines,’ JAMB assessed institutions based on their adherence to admission guidelines, awarding 10 points for full compliance, five points for partial compliance, and zero points for non-compliance.
The analysis identified 88 institutions that failed to comply with CAPS requirements.
Among these institutions are the University of Uyo, University of Abuja, Olabisi Onabanjo University, Yaba College of Technology, Plateau State University, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Federal University of Technology Owerri, Coal City University, Crawford University, Crescent University, Ebonyi State University, Rhema University, Borno State University, Chrisland University, Federal Polytechnic Nekede, Alvan Ikoku College of Education, and Chukwuemeka Odumegwu University.