In a shocking revelation that has sent tremors through Nigeria’s education sector, the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has uncovered a staggering 9,469 fraudulent admissions processed outside its official Central Admission Processing System (CAPS) for the 2024 academic year. The scandal, described as one of the largest admission rackets in recent history, spans 20 tertiary institutions across the country, with Kano State University of Science and Technology emerging as the worst offender with 2,215 illegal admissions.
The Breakdown: Institutions with Highest Fraudulent Admissions
According to an exclusive list obtained from JAMB headquarters, the institutions implicated in the admission scandal include:
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Kano State University of Science and Technology – 2,215 cases
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Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) – 1,215 cases
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Gombe State University – 1,164 cases
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Emmanuel Alayande University of Education – 761 cases
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Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO) – 534 cases
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Ambrose Alli University – 514 cases
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Igbinedion University – 365 cases
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Akwa-Ibom Polytechnic – 340 cases
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College of Nursing, National Orthopedic Hospital, Igbobi – 281 cases
Other affected institutions include Achievers University (267), Nigeria Police Academy (263), Abia State Polytechnic (256), Osun State University (224), Federal University Lafia (189), Niger State Polytechnic (182), Federal Polytechnic Ida (171), Edo State Polytechnic (166), Anchor University (133), Michael and Cecilia Ibru University (116), and Federal College of Animal Health and Production Technology (113).
CAPS: The Gold Standard for Transparent Admissions
Introduced to eliminate backdoor admissions and promote merit-based selection, JAMB’s Central Admission Processing System (CAPS) serves as the only legitimate platform for tertiary institution admissions in Nigeria. The system ensures:
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Real-time tracking of admission status by candidates
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Merit-based evaluation using uniform criteria
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Instant notifications for successful applicants
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Seamless integration with NYSC mobilization systems
Minister of Education Declares War on Rogue Institutions
At the 2025 JAMB Policy Meeting in Abuja, the Minister of Education, Dr. Tunji Alausa, issued a stern warning to institutions engaged in illegal admissions, vowing to prosecute offenders and withdraw accreditation from erring schools.
“Any admission conducted outside CAPS is null and void, regardless of the institution or individuals involved,” Alausa declared. “We will not only revoke these fraudulent admissions but also sanction the governing councils and officials responsible. This is an assault on our education system, and we will treat it as such.”
Consequences for Fraudulent Admissions
JAMB has outlined severe penalties for both institutions and candidates involved in the scandal:
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For Institutions: Possible withdrawal of accreditation, prosecution of officials, and blacklisting from federal grants
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For Students: Automatic disqualification from NYSC mobilization and potential revocation of degrees
How the Scam Worked
Investigations reveal that the illegal admissions were processed through:
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Under-the-table arrangements between school officials and candidates
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Fake admission letters bearing forged signatures
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Exploitation of vulnerable students unaware of CAPS requirements
JAMB’s Next Steps
The board has announced plans to:
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Conduct immediate audits of all affected institutions
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Publish names of candidates with fraudulent admissions
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Strengthen CAPS security with biometric verification
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Collaborate with EFCC to prosecute offenders
Protecting Your Admission Status
Prospective students are advised to:
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Only accept offers through JAMB CAPS
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Verify admission status on JAMB’s official portal
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Report suspicious offers to JAMB’s anti-corruption unit
A Call for Systemic Reform
Education stakeholders are calling for stricter monitoring of private and state-owned institutions, with the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) demanding immediate sanctions for all complicit schools.
“This isn’t just about 9,469 students—it’s about protecting the integrity of our entire education system,” stated JAMB Registrar Prof. Ishaq Oloyede.
