JAMB has uncovered 3,000 fake graduates with illegal certificates in Nigeria, highlighting widespread corruption in the education system. The board emphasizes that all admissions must be processed through its Central Admission Processing System (CAPS) to ensure legitimacy and transparency.
The Joint Admissions and Matriculations Board (JAMB) has uncovered 3,000 fake graduates with illegal certificates across Nigeria, marking a significant step in addressing the pervasive issue of fraudulent academic qualifications. JAMB Registrar, Ishaq Oloyede, revealed this alarming discovery in a report published in the board’s bulletin. According to Oloyede, the individuals in question had never attended any classes, highlighting the deep-rooted corruption within the educational system.
During a meeting with the Committee of Pro-Chancellors of State Universities in Nigeria (COPSUN) at JAMB’s National Headquarters in Bwari, Abuja, Oloyede condemned the practice of illegal admissions by some institutions. He described it as a significant embarrassment and a disservice to the nation. The bulletin emphasized the urgent need for institutions to clamp down on such admissions, which undermine the integrity of the educational system.
This revelation follows a directive from the House of Representatives Committee on Basic Education in December 2023, which ordered JAMB to list tertiary institutions involved in irregular and illegal admissions. JAMB has consistently warned candidates against accepting admissions from institutions that do not follow proper academic procedures.
In a statement titled "Cessation of illegal/irregular admission," JAMB reiterated that all admissions to first-degree programs, national diplomas, national innovation diplomas, and Nigerian certificates in education must be processed through JAMB. Any admission not captured in its Central Admission Processing System (CAPS) is deemed illegal.
Oloyede's remarks during the 3rd matriculation ceremony at Thomas Adewumi University further underscored this stance. He declared that admissions must be conducted through CAPS to ensure transparency and eliminate human interference. Any deviation from this process renders the admission null and void.
