🧾 FG Denies Scrapping JAMB Requirement for Admission into Tertiary Institutions (2025 Update)

Clarifying the Viral Claim — What the Federal Government Actually Said

Recently, a wave of misinformation swept across social media platforms, alleging that the Federal Government of Nigeria (FG) had scrapped the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) as a prerequisite for gaining admission into universities, polytechnics, and colleges of education. This rumor, which gained traction across Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), and several online news forums, claimed that the government intended to allow tertiary institutions to admit students independently without JAMB’s involvement. However, the Federal Ministry of Education swiftly addressed the issue, categorically denying any such move.

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According to the official statement released through the ministry’s spokesperson, JAMB remains the sole body authorized to conduct entrance examinations into tertiary institutions in Nigeria. The Minister of Education, through a press briefing in Abuja, reaffirmed that JAMB’s central admission system ensures transparency, meritocracy, and accountability in student selection. Scrapping JAMB would not only dismantle the standardized system that currently operates but also reintroduce the chaos of unregulated institutional admissions that plagued the nation before JAMB’s establishment in 1978.

The viral rumor began after a misinterpreted blog post suggested that universities could now conduct their own internal tests for admission without requiring JAMB results. However, this was taken out of context from a statement referring to post-UTME screenings, which are additional assessments conducted after JAMB’s Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME). The government clarified that post-UTME screenings remain supplementary, not a replacement for JAMB.

To understand why this misinformation spread so fast, one must look at the rising tension among students and parents concerning delays in admission processes, JAMB score standardization, and technical issues during CBT exams. Many Nigerians saw the fake news as a relief, believing it would simplify admission procedures. Yet, the government reiterated that removing JAMB would compromise quality assurance, leading to admission fraud and lack of national coordination in the education sector.

In reality, JAMB serves as a central gatekeeper that aligns Nigeria’s tertiary education system with international standards. Its database ensures that every candidate is properly identified, and that merit-based selection can be tracked across all institutions. The Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS), introduced in 2017, further digitalized this process, allowing universities to verify student eligibility in real-time.

For more information on this clarification, the Federal Ministry of Education has advised the public to visit verified government websites like education.gov.ng and jamb.gov.ng for credible updates.

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Why JAMB Remains Vital to Nigeria’s Tertiary Education System

Understanding why the Federal Government insists on maintaining JAMB’s role requires a closer look at its core function within Nigeria’s educational framework. JAMB is not just an exam body; it is the foundation of fair and merit-based university admission in the country. Before its creation, individual universities conducted their own entrance examinations, often resulting in corruption, nepotism, and inconsistent academic standards.

JAMB brought structure. By introducing a unified testing system, the board ensured that all students—regardless of background, location, or school—compete under the same conditions. The FG’s denial of scrapping JAMB stems from this deep-rooted belief in equality of opportunity. Without JAMB, wealthier families or connected individuals might once again influence admissions, making meritocracy impossible to maintain.

Moreover, JAMB’s digital transformation has significantly reduced malpractice. The Computer-Based Test (CBT) model introduced transparency, reduced exam leakage, and improved the reliability of results. Every year, millions of students register through an automated system that links biometric data, ensuring authenticity and reducing identity fraud.

The Federal Government’s stance is therefore anchored on preserving this integrity. Abolishing JAMB, they argue, would weaken the fight against examination fraud and allow institutions to operate in silos, each creating its own admission criteria. The CAPS platform ensures that no institution admits students outside of official guidelines. This process aligns Nigeria’s educational structure with global best practices, enhancing the nation’s credibility internationally.

In addition, JAMB serves as a data-driven agency, providing valuable insights into education planning and policy formulation. Through its vast database, the board helps the FG understand trends in enrollment, gender distribution, and course demand across Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. Such data are critical for government initiatives like the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) and National Universities Commission (NUC) assessments.

By reaffirming its commitment to JAMB, the FG not only preserves the national academic standard but also strengthens Nigeria’s chances of global academic recognition. Aspiring students can rest assured that JAMB is here to stay—and that the system remains the most credible path to tertiary education in Nigeria.

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Implications of the Clarification for Students and Parents 

This clarification brings both relief and renewed awareness to millions of Nigerian students preparing for the 2025/2026 admission cycle. Many candidates who believed they could bypass JAMB must now refocus their energy on proper exam preparation. The FG’s statement underscores the importance of the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) as the gateway to any tertiary institution in Nigeria—whether university, polytechnic, or college of education.

Parents are also encouraged to rely only on verified information sources. The Ministry warned against fraudulent agents and websites promising “direct admission without JAMB.” Such offers are scams designed to extort desperate applicants. The FG’s clarification therefore acts as a wake-up call: any admission obtained without JAMB’s approval through CAPS is invalid.

For genuine admission seekers, this is a reminder to engage with official platforms such as jamb.gov.ng and follow updates on reputable educational portals like scholarshipntoday.com. Moreover, the FG reassured students that reforms are ongoing to make JAMB more efficient and user-friendly. Plans are in place to expand testing centers, upgrade servers, and enhance digital communication between JAMB and institutions.

This transparency also benefits international observers. By maintaining JAMB, Nigeria signals its commitment to academic accountability and institutional excellence, key elements in attracting global partnerships and scholarships. Foreign universities assessing Nigerian transcripts depend on the credibility of JAMB scores to verify academic integrity.

In short, students should see this clarification not as a setback, but as motivation to prepare strategically for the upcoming JAMB 2025 examinations.

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The Role of Media and Social Networks in Spreading Educational Misinformation

The rapid spread of the false claim about JAMB’s scrapping reveals a deeper issue — the power and danger of misinformation in Nigeria’s digital age. Within hours of an unverified post, thousands of Nigerians shared, liked, and commented, amplifying a narrative that had no factual basis. This trend shows how easily fake news can disrupt national conversations, especially in sensitive areas like education.

The Federal Ministry of Education urged the public to always cross-check stories before sharing them. Reliable education news sources such as Premium Times and The Guardian Nigeria verify such claims before publication. Meanwhile, JAMB continues to publish official updates through its verified social media accounts and website.

The misinformation era calls for media literacy—the ability to critically evaluate online content. Students and parents must learn to distinguish between credible information and viral rumors. In doing so, they not only protect themselves from scams but also contribute to national stability.

Interestingly, the FG’s swift response to this incident demonstrates improved public communication strategy within Nigeria’s education sector. The ministry has promised to collaborate with media houses and influencers to combat misinformation, ensuring that accurate educational news reaches the masses faster.

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The Future of JAMB and Nigerian Education Policy 

Looking ahead, the FG’s position highlights a broader policy goal: strengthening the quality and credibility of tertiary education. Rather than scrapping JAMB, the government aims to modernize it—integrating artificial intelligence for result processing, upgrading CBT centers, and expanding opportunities for special needs candidates.

Additionally, there are discussions to synchronize JAMB’s database with WAEC, NECO, and NIN to create a unified academic identity system. This would minimize exam fraud and simplify admission verification.

The FG’s denial of the rumored policy change also sets the stage for deeper educational reforms. As Nigeria competes globally, consistent evaluation standards like JAMB ensure that students meet minimum academic benchmarks.

For aspiring scholars, especially those seeking international scholarships, having a verifiable JAMB record adds weight to their applications. The JAMB requirement is not just a formality—it represents Nigeria’s commitment to merit, discipline, and structured growth.

In conclusion, the Federal Government’s denial of scrapping JAMB underscores its vision for a more credible and globally competitive educational system. Students, parents, and educators must now align their efforts toward enhancing learning outcomes while maintaining faith in the systems designed to ensure fairness and integrity.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Has the Federal Government scrapped JAMB for 2025 admissions?
No. The Federal Government confirmed that JAMB remains mandatory for all tertiary admissions in Nigeria.

2. Can I gain admission into a university without JAMB?
No legitimate tertiary institution in Nigeria can admit a student without JAMB’s approval through the CAPS system.

3. Is post-UTME replacing JAMB?
No. Post-UTME is a secondary screening conducted by institutions after JAMB, not a replacement.

4. What should students do now?
Focus on preparing for the 2025 JAMB examination, follow official updates, and ignore fake news.

5. Where can I find verified JAMB updates?
Visit jamb.gov.ng or follow scholarshipntoday.com for reliable news.