The Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) has issued a stern warning to tertiary institutions across the country, cautioning them against compelling or persuading high-performing candidates to switch from competitive programmes to less subscribed ones.
In a statement released on Monday, November 3rd 2025, by its Public Communication Adviser, Dr. Fabian Benjamin, the Board described the practice as unethical and a deliberate attempt to undermine the integrity of the merit-based admission process.
JAMB emphasized that all admission activities must be conducted strictly through its Central Admissions Processing System (CAPS), which ensures fairness, transparency, and accountability. It condemned the use of internal institutional portals or unofficial methods to influence or alter candidates’ programme choices, noting that such actions violate established admission guidelines.
“Any change of programme or admission activity carried out outside the JAMB CAPS is unauthorized, unethical, and potentially detrimental to affected candidates,” the statement read.
Also Read: JAMB Extends Public University Admissions Deadline
According to the Board, preliminary investigations have uncovered two universities, one located in the South-West and another in Abuja, allegedly involved in manipulating merit lists to favour certain candidates. JAMB confirmed that regulatory measures have already been initiated against the implicated institutions.
The examination body further advised candidates to disregard any internal directives from institutions asking them to alter their preferred programmes. It warned that candidates who eventually approve such changes on CAPS will be deemed to have done so willingly and will bear full responsibility for the decision.
Reaffirming its commitment to transparency and merit-driven admissions, JAMB assured that it will continue to monitor the 2025 admission process closely and sanction any institution found to be violating its guidelines.
The Board urged all stakeholders to uphold fairness and integrity in the selection and placement of students across Nigeria’s tertiary institutions.
